Jordan Norwood Breaks off Longest Punt Return in Super Bowl History

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jordan Norwood broke off the longest punt return in Super Bowl history during Sunday's 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers, rumbling 61 yards during the second quarter to set up a field goal that gave his team a 13-7 lead, per ESPN Stats & Info.

Norwood came up to make a risky catch in traffic on a 25-yard shank by Panthers punter Brad Nortman, causing a couple of Carolina defenders to pause for fear of picking up a kick-catch interference penalty that would have cost the team 15 yards.

Norwood then took advantage of the hesitation by reversing fields and making a mad dash up the right sideline. But just when it looked like he might take it to the house, Panthers defensive end Mario Addison split a couple of would-be blockers and made a fantastic tackle.

It did appear that Panthers third-string quarterback Joe Webb, who also has experience on special teams and at wide receiver, might have stopped Norwood before the end zone even if Addison hadn't made the play.

In any case, Norwood broke the previous record of a 45-yard punt return in the Super Bowl, set by John Taylor of the San Francisco 49ers in a Super Bowl XXIII victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Whereas Norwood is otherwise a relatively unknown player, Taylor is a three-time Super Bowl champion, two-time All-Pro selection and a member of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.