Leon Washington takes pride in owning a share of the NFL record for most career kickoff returns for a touchdown, especially considering the devastating broken leg he had to overcome.
No disrespect to Cleveland's Josh Cribbs, but Washington wants to own the record himself.
"That's my goal. And to get it by a few so nobody can catch me."
Washington pulled even with Cribbs last week when the Seahawks return specialist busted free for a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of Seattle's 24-21 loss to Miami.
It was his first kickoff return for a touchdown in nearly two calendar years since he took three back for touchdowns in his first season with the Seahawks in 2010. But that was before kickoffs were moved up to the 35-yard line and returns became less common.
Through 11 games this season, Washington has brought the ball out of the end zone just 18 times. Yet for most of the season, Washington and Seattle special teams coach Brian Schneider have felt the return game was on the verge of a breakthrough.
Despite his limited number of chances, Washington is third in the NFL, averaging 31.9 yards per kick return, which if it continues would be the highest return average of his career. He has never topped the 27.5 he averaged in his second season with the New York Jets and the success this season could be another sign that Washington is fully back from the broken leg he suffered in 2009.
Washington still remains grateful to Seattle coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider for making the trade to acquire him in 2010.
The Seahawks go to Chicago this week, but there won't be a meeting of two of the most dynamic kick returners in football - Washington and the Bears' Devin Hester - because Hester is out with a concussion. Washington, though, understands how important special teams could be in the matchup.
Seattle is trying to hold on to the final wild card spot in the NFC, while the Bears are just one game ahead of Green Bay in the NFC Central.
