Cordarrelle Patterson on returning kicks after rule change: 'I'm going to bring it out'

Atlanta Falcons return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson doesn’t plan to change a thing about how he returns kickoffs in 2023. Despite a new NFL rule set to go into effect this season that will allow players to fair catch on kickoffs, resulting in possession at the team’s own 25-yard line, you’ll never catch Patterson doing so.

Whether the ball is deep in the end zone or not, he plans to bring it back if it’s in play, sending a clear message to the league’s kickers.

“It’s coming out,” Patterson told NFL Network. “So, make sure your kicker know how to kick it through the end zone.”

Over his nine-year NFL career so far, Patterson has established himself as one of the best kick returners in league history. His nine career kickoffs returned for a touchdown are already the most of any player and he’s proven he’s a threat to score no matter where he receives the ball. Patterson’s 109-yard kickoff return during his rookie season with the Vikings is also an NFL record.

Additionally, Patterson’s career average of 29.5 yards per return ranks third in league history. Although it might be wise for most players to fair catch depending on where the ball is at, Patterson is certainly a unique case. That’s why the Falcons have given him the “green light” to run it back.

“Honestly, we had this talk as a team, really, and they know I’m going to bring it out,” Patterson said. “No matter where the ball is kicked at, coach is giving me the green light no ifs ands or buts. That’s what I bring back there. I’m trying to do whatever I can to help my team gain that momentum on offense.”

Don’t expect to just see Patterson on kickoffs, however. The Falcons have also used him as a running back each of the past two seasons, during which he set back-to-back career highs in both rushing yards and touchdowns. He also saw his best season as a receiver in 2021, recording 52 catches for 548 yards and five touchdowns.

“Ever since I got here, (head coach) Art (Smith), he’s been putting me all over the place and I’ve been loving it,” Patterson said. “Honestly, I’ve been loving it. The more you can do in this league; why play one position if you can play two or three? If they need me to play tight end, I promise you I’m gonna gout there and line up at tight end and make a play.”

Patterson will look to continue to provide value all over the field as the Falcons aim to bounce back from a 7-10 finish this past season. Atlanta will kick off the regular season on Sept. 10 against the Carolina Panthers.