Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson: NFL Kick Return 'GOAT'?

Atlanta Falcons running back and kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson holds the NFL record for kickoff touchdowns (nine) and yards per return (29.5).

The Atlanta Falcons will forever have their named etched in NFL kickoff return history. 

November 20th, 2022: The day running back Cordarrelle Patterson broke a three-way tie with Josh Cribbs and Leon Washington for his ninth career return touchdown. 

Now, with a new rule in place for this season allowing the receiving team the ball at its own 25 with a fair catch of a kickoff anywhere behind that yard line - there is a good chance Patterson holds his record for a long time. 

Now entering his 11th career season, the four-time Pro Bowler was awarded the "GOAT" kick returner in the eyes of ESPN. 

"Patterson already has established himself as the best kickoff returner in league history by becoming the first player to take nine kickoffs to the house," ESPN writes. "He had previously been in a tie with Josh Cribbs and Leon Washington, each of whom have strong cases for being considered alongside the Falcons standout as the best ever."

Despite his services not being needed as much over the past two years - returning a total 27 kicks over that span - a torn ACL to Avery Williams could see a "resurgence" for Patterson in Atlanta's special teams department. 

"Patterson also has averaged 29.5 yards per return in his career, more than any other player with at least 20 kick returns," ESPN writes. "He has been phenomenal and done so while scoring kickoff return touchdowns for four different organizations, including one for the Falcons in 2022."

And with more opportunities to take one to the house after a season-ending injury to running back Avery Williams, the further Patterson could solidify his "GOAT" resume. 

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Follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.

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