Washington calls record-tying touchdown ‘bittersweet’
Nov 26, 2012, 3:34 PM | Updated: 3:45 pm
By Brady Henderson
Leon Washington used what seems like an appropriate word to describe his thoughts on tying an NFL record during a disappointing loss.
“It was bittersweet yesterday,” Washington told “Bob and Groz” on Monday, a day after the Seahawks lost 24-21 to the Dolphins on a last-second field goal.
 Leon Washington shares the NFL record for most kickoff return scores. (AP) |
“Ended up getting the TD record but we didn’t win the football game. We’ve got to get back on track; that’s the main focus. But it was good to see our special teams unit go out there and execute and get a touchdown. That was definitely a positive.”
Washington returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter on Sunday. It was the eighth time in his career he’s returned a kickoff for a score, tying him with Cleveland’s Josh Cribbs for most all-time.
“Coming into the season I knew I was behind Joshua Cribbs. My goal is to be the all-time leading returner in TDs, so I was definitely aware of it, and that’s something I expressed to [special teams coach Brian Schneider] and some of the leaders on special teams,” Washington said.
“Guys [have been] so desperately trying to get me into the end zone over the last few years, and we have done a really good job of doing it. So just hats off to those guys.”
Sunday’s touchdown came at a critical moment for the Seahawks. Miami had just tied the score at 14 when Washington helped Seattle reclaim the lead.
Washington caught Dan Carpenter’s kickoff with a running start at the 2-yard line, about 5 yards left of the hash marks. He veered left toward a giant hole at about the 12-yard line then cut back to the right near the 22, following a block from Jermaine Kearse. A head fake left Carpenter grabbing for air and gave Washington a clear path to the end zone.
“We take pride in the design of the play,” Washington said. “It was executed to the tee.”
Washington’s touchdown was his first return score – either on a punt or a kickoff – since 2010. He was already having a strong season returning kickoffs even without a touchdown to show for it. The Seahawks have the NFL’s third-best average on kickoff returns at 28.9, a tenth of a yard off the league lead.
