Updated Nov 26, 2012 - 3:45 pm
Washington calls record-tying touchdown 'bittersweet'
Leon Washington used what seems like an appropriate word to describe his thoughts on tying an NFL record during a disappointing loss.
"It was bittersweet yesterday," Washington told "Bob and Groz" on Monday, a day after the Seahawks lost 24-21 to the Dolphins on a last-second field goal.
 Leon Washington shares the NFL record for most kickoff return scores. (AP) |
Washington returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter on Sunday. It was the eighth time in his career he's returned a kickoff for a score, tying him with Cleveland's Josh Cribbs for most all-time.
"Coming into the season I knew I was behind Joshua Cribbs. My goal is to be the all-time leading returner in TDs, so I was definitely aware of it, and that's something I expressed to [special teams coach Brian Schneider] and some of the leaders on special teams," Washington said.
"Guys [have been] so desperately trying to get me into the end zone over the last few years, and we have done a really good job of doing it. So just hats off to those guys."
Sunday's touchdown came at a critical moment for the Seahawks. Miami had just tied the score at 14 when Washington helped Seattle reclaim the lead.
Washington caught Dan Carpenter's kickoff with a running start at the 2-yard line, about 5 yards left of the hash marks. He veered left toward a giant hole at about the 12-yard line then cut back to the right near the 22, following a block from Jermaine Kearse. A head fake left Carpenter grabbing for air and gave Washington a clear path to the end zone.
"We take pride in the design of the play," Washington said. "It was executed to the tee."
Washington's touchdown was his first return score – either on a punt or a kickoff – since 2010. He was already having a strong season returning kickoffs even without a touchdown to show for it. The Seahawks have the NFL's third-best average on kickoff returns at 28.9, a tenth of a yard off the league lead.
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Bob Stelton is the co-host of "Bob and Groz". He came to 710 ESPN Seattle from 101 ESPN in St. Louis and had previously worked for Sporting News Radio in Chicago and Santa Monica, Calif. Bob began his radio career in Seattle in 1997 after a failed attempt to become a rock star. 
Dave Grosby is the co-host of "Bob and Groz." The Groz has spent the last 21 years of his 39-year broadcast career as a Seattle sports talk show host. Dave is also the play-by-play announcer for Seattle U basketball on KTTH 770. Before coming to Seattle, Dave worked at KFI in Los Angeles and KFBK in Sacramento. He's been married to his wife Bonnie for 23 years.
After two years as the producer for "Brock and Salk," Colin Paisley now produces "Bob and Groz." Colin also hosts "Seattle Sports at Night" with Tom Wassell and Matt Pitman. Colin came to 710 ESPN Seattle after five years at various FM music stations in Bellingham and Seattle. In addition to his time as producer and host, Colin likes to spend his time embracing his "Slacker Gen-Y" persona by napping and not caring about stuff. Plus he likes tons of bands you've never heard of, and once you hear of them he'll stop liking them.
