Devin Hester’s first punt return for the Falcons ended up in the hands of Dolphins linebacker Jonathan Freeny. Safety Michael Thomas forced a fumble which Freeny recovered at the Falcons’ 36-yard line, but after the Dolphins were called for holding, Hester got a second shot.
Not much came of the second attempt, as Hester fielded the return at the 29-yard line and danced around Freeny only to be tackled for a 2-yard loss. A holding penalty on cornerback Robert Alford brought the Falcons’ offense back to their 17-yard line to begin their first drive of the second quarter.
However, Hester did take out his first kick return of the night for 21 yards during the first quarter. The Falcons scored on that drive to tie the game at 7.
The three-time Pro Bowl returner signed with Atlanta on March 20 after eight seasons with the Chicago Bears. Hester holds the NFL record for punt return touchdowns with 13 and the record for combined career return touchdowns with 19.
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