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          Kalif Raymond goes 47 yards for first career punt-return touchdown

          • Eric Woodyard, ESPNDec 18, 2022, 01:45 PM ET
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              Eric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021. The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: "Wasted, Ethan's Talent Search" and "All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story". He is a proud parent of one son, Ethan. You can follow him on Twitter: @E_Woodyard

          EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Kalif Raymond waited patiently midfield against his former team, the New York Jets, at MetLife Stadium on Sunday as the ball was being punted in the opening quarter.

          Once he caught the ball, the Detroit Lions receiver took it to the house for a 47-yard touchdown, which was the first of his career, at the six-minute mark.

          Raymond capped the speedy run with a hurdle near the end zone. He became the first Lions player to return a punt for a touchdown since 2020.

          It was his third punt return of at least 35 or more yards this season, but it also marked the shortest punt-return touchdown since 2007, when Darren Sproles had a 45-yarder against the Indianapolis Colts, per ESPN Stats & Information.