The 109-yard return: How a versatile specialist rewrote the NFL record books
In short: In 2013, Cordarrelle Patterson achieved the impossible: a 109-yard kickoff return, the longest possible play in football. Known as 'Flash,' Patterson transformed from a junior college standout into a perennial All-Pro, using unmatched speed to become one of the greatest return specialists in history.
Patterson's ascent began far from the bright lights of the NFL. After a standout high school career in South Carolina, he played for Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. There, he was a dominant force, earning NJCAA All-American honors in 2010 and 2011 while setting numerous school records, including a career kickoff return average of 41.9 yards (S1:p5, p7). His performance earned him a spot as a 5-star recruit before he transferred to the University of Tennessee.
Selected during the 2013 draft's first round by the Minnesota Vikings, his career was marked by dynamic performances on special teams (S1:p2, p12). During his rookie season, he tied the NFL record for the longest play and set the record for the longest kickoff return at 109 yards. This versatility extended to the offense; in 2013, he set a Vikings record for the longest rushing touchdown by a receiver.
Throughout his tenure with teams like the Raiders, Patriots, and Bears, Patterson maintained a unique utility role, even being listed as a 'Joker' on the 2023 depth chart. He holds a league record of nine career kickoff return touchdowns, six of which exceeded 100 yards. Whether serving as a primary weapon or a specialist, his ability to impact the game through returns, receptions, and rushes has cemented his legacy as a premier all-purpose player (S1:p1, p14).
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Cordarrelle Patterson
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