Minnesota Vikings

Marcus Sherels now holds Vikings' franchise record for punt returns

Published Nov. 2, 2015 11:39 a.m. ET

foxsports

Minnesota Vikings return specialist Marcus Sherels struck again this Sunday, when he returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears. It was the third punt-return touchdown of Sherels' career, which is a new team record.

Sherels isn't just a Vikings standout in this category. He's also tied with four other players across the NFL for the most punt return touchdowns since the start of the 2012 season, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

Sherels, 28, has carved himself out an impressive niche for himself after entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2010. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher has barely seen the field on defense over the last six seasons, but he's an essential cog on special teams.

Beyond his three punt-return scores, Sherels has handled a total of 132 punts during his NFL career and maintained an average of 10.6 yards per return attempt. Although he rarely handles kickoffs anymore, the 175-pound speedster also has 37 career kick returns for nearly 1,000 yards.