Parker Washington Sets Record with 96-Yard Punt Return for Jaguars

In an extraordinary display of athleticism, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver and punt returner Parker Washington accomplished a historic feat during an NFL matchup against the New England Patriots held at Wembley Stadium in London. On Sunday, Washington recorded a 96-yard punt return for a touchdown, setting a new franchise record for the Jaguars. This impressive play marked the first punt return for a touchdown in the history of NFL International Series games.

Filling in for the injured Devin Duvernay, Washington fielded a hefty 66-yard punt from Patriots’ punter Bryce Baringer at the Jaguars’ 4-yard line. Demonstrating remarkable speed and agility, Washington navigated his way through the Patriots’ coverage, deftly avoiding incoming tacklers. After evading the initial defensive efforts, he broke towards the left sideline and surpassed Baringer at midfield, entering open space and sealing his path to the end zone.

Washington capped the celebrated run by performing a “Nestea plunge” backward into the end zone, which led to the Jaguars extending their lead to 22-10, following a successful two-point conversion. “I just saw daylight,” Washington explained in a post-game interview. “I was determined to make the most of it.” His performance was lauded by teammates and fans alike for its unique sporting flair.

The play not only set a personal milestone for Washington but also shattered the previous team record, a 91-yard punt return by Keelan Cole in 2020, executed against the Green Bay Packers. According to NFL NextGen Stats, the probability of successfully returning a punt caught inside the 5-yard line for a touchdown stands at a mere 0.07 percent, underscoring the rarity and skill encapsulated by Washington’s achievement.

This breathtaking play marked the ninth punt return score in the Jaguars’ history and their first special-teams touchdown since 2021, when Jamal Agnew accomplished a 102-yard kickoff return against the Denver Broncos. The victory at Wembley Stadium further elevated Jacksonville’s presence on the international stage, with Washington’s remarkable achievement etching his name in the team’s record books.