CHICAGO (AP) — Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears has set an NFL record with his 11th career punt return for a touchdown, running one back 69 yards against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Tied with Eric Metcalf coming in, Hester took over the recor early in the second quarter when he fielded a line drive by Jason Baker.
Hester broke a tackle and turned up the left side, performing three somersaults after crossing the goal line for a 24-10 lead. He was also flagged for a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
The big punt return came moments after he returned a kickoff 73 yards, setting up a 17-yard scoring run by Matt Forte.
A three-time Pro Bowl pick, Hester is the league’s all-time leader for combined touchdowns on kick returns with 15.
