MINNEAPOLIS -- San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie
returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown as the first
half ended Sunday at Minnesota -- the longest play in NFL history.
The Vikings lined Ryan Longwell up for a 57-yard kick, which was
on line but fell just short of the crossbar. Cromartie, camped out
at the end line, leaped to catch the ball without stepping out of
bounds and started his return.
He raced up the right sideline, got some good blocks and scored
untouched to give the Chargers a 14-7 lead into the locker room.
Vikings coach Brad Childress was so upset he chucked his headset
off and was so flustered he started to leave the sideline before
realizing there was still an extra point attempt.
The previous record for the longest play was 108 yards, also
missed field goal returns, shared by Chicago teammates Devin Hester
and Nathan Vasher and a kickoff return by New England's Ellis Hobbs.
Cromartie scored two touchdowns last week against the Houston
Texans -- a fumble recovery in the end zone and a 70-yard
interception return.