Chargers cornerback's return longest play in NFL history

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MINNEAPOLIS -- San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown as the first half ended Sunday at Minnesota -- the longest play in NFL history.

End Zone to End Zone

San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie has graced the list of longest returns in NFL history with his presence -- and his runback is the best of the best.

Another Afterburner

		Type	Yards
2007	Cromartie, Chargers	Missed FG	109
2007	Hobbs, Patriots	KO return	108
2006	Hester, Bears	Missed FG	108
2005	Vasher, Bears	Missed FG	108

The Vikings lined Ryan Longwell up for a 57-yard kick, which was on line but fell just short of the crossbar. Cromartie, camped out at the end line, leaped to catch the ball without stepping out of bounds and started his return.

He raced up the right sideline, got some good blocks and scored untouched to give the Chargers a 14-7 lead into the locker room. Vikings coach Brad Childress was so upset he chucked his headset off and was so flustered he started to leave the sideline before realizing there was still an extra point attempt.

The previous record for the longest play was 108 yards, also missed field goal returns, shared by Chicago teammates Devin Hester and Nathan Vasher and a kickoff return by New England's Ellis Hobbs.

Cromartie scored two touchdowns last week against the Houston Texans -- a fumble recovery in the end zone and a 70-yard interception return.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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