Devin Hester high-stepped his way into the end zone, hand cocked behind his head, and Falcons fans roared.
It felt like familiar times Thursday night at the Georgia Dome, where the Falcons’ newest star kick returner electrified the stadium like his famous predecessor, Deion Sanders.
Hester returned a punt 62 yards against the Buccaneers for his 20th career return touchdown, breaking the NFL record previously held by Sanders. The high-step celebration also was reminiscent of Sanders, who played for the Falcons from 1989-93.
Sanders, now a TV analyst, watched from the NFL Network set on the sidelines. Hester said the high step was a tribute to Sanders, his mentor and friend.
“I told him I was going to do it,” Hester said. “I told him I was going to give him the ball, too, but I think it’s on the way to Canton (and the Pro Football Hall of Fame).”
Hester’s high-stepping drew a penalty flag for unsportsmanlike conduct but it hardly mattered with the Falcons leading 35-0 early in the second quarter.
Hester was emotional on the sideline after scoring the touchdown. Sanders stood to acknowledge cheering fans when he was shown on the Dome video board.
Hester said he has had a close relationship with Sanders since Hester’s days at the University of Miami. The two shared a moment after the game.
“He was so happy,” Hester said. “He said he almost pulled a hamstring sprinting toward the end zone with me. I love that guy, man. He was very emotional as well.”
Hester, a nine-year veteran, added to his NFL record for punt return touchdowns with his 14th. He also has five career kickoff return touchdowns and one touchdown return on a missed field-goal attempt.
Earlier in the quarter, Hester scored on a 20-yard reverse run for his first career rushing touchdown. And he also had two other big punt returns that were nullified by penalty: a 48-yard gain in the first quarter and a 40-yard gain in the third quarter.
Sanders’ totals over 14 seasons were six punt return touchdowns, three on kickoffs and 10 on interceptions. During his time with the Falcons, Sanders totaled three touchdowns on kick returns, two on punt returns and three on interception returns.
The Falcons signed Hester, 31, as a free agent in the offseason to help shore up their lackluster return game.
“I’m glad the Atlanta Falcons organization decided to pick me up in free agency,” Hester said. “I’m just happy to be part of this team.”
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