When Devin Hester broke Deion Sanders’ NFL record for return touchdowns Thursday night, he paid tribute to his mentor by high-stepping into the end zone.
It’s only fitting that Hester broke the record while playing for the Atlanta Falcons, the same team Sanders broke into the league with. It’s also nice that Sanders was present at the Georgia Dome to witness the feat.
After the game, Hester and Sanders shared an emotional moment together during the postgame show on the NFL Network.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73PsPI20W_Q&w=640&h=360]
Sanders, who has mentored Hester ever since the 31-year-old’s days at the University of Miami, clearly showed genuine happiness for him with tears in his eyes.
“I’m overcome with emotion right now,” Sanders said. “I love you as a man, as a father, as a husband. I remember the beginning, man. I love you, dude. And I’m so proud of you, man. I’m so proud of you.”
Hester’s Falcons racked up eight touchdowns en route to a 56-14 demolition of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
