The last time the New England Patriots surrendered a punt return touchdown before Sunday, their head coach was still an active player. Then as now, Jerod Mayo had to watch from the sideline as special teams failed the Patriots.
In 2015 against the Philadelphia Eagles, the result was an 83-yard runback by Darren Sproles. In 2024, the distance covered was even greater: Jacksonville Jaguars returner Parker Washington fielded a Bryce Baringer punt at the 4-yard line and proceeded to return it 96 yards all the way to the New England end zone.