Falcons' Patterson sets NFL record with 9th career kick-return TD

Cordarrelle Patterson is the NFL's new kickoff touchdown king.

The Atlanta Falcons running back exploded for a 103-yard return in Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, setting a new league record for career kickoff-return scores with nine.

Patterson broke a tie with Josh Cribbs and Leon Washington.

It was the 31-year-old's first kick-return touchdown since 2020 and his first with Atlanta. He had five in his first four NFL seasons while playing for the Minnesota Vikings.

Widely regarded as one of the premier returners in league history, Patterson has been named a first-team All-Pro four times and a second-team All-Pro three times. He led the NFL in kickoff-return yards as a member of the Bears in 2019 and 2020.

After struggling to convert his return skills to an offensive role throughout much of his career, Patterson is enjoying a renaissance with the Falcons.

The veteran produced his first season with 1,000 scrimmage yards (618 rushing, 548 receiving) and had 11 total touchdowns in 2021. Patterson entered Week 11 with 402 rushing yards and five scores in six appearances.