Longest plays in NFL history: Jamal Agnew joins Cordarrelle Patterson, Antonio Cromartie with 109-yard TDs

It’s rare that you see any sort of 100-plus-yard touchdown in an NFL game, let alone a record-tying one. But that’s exactly what Jamal Agnew accomplished on Sunday afternoon.

Agnew recorded a 109-yard touchdown in the Jaguars’ 31-19 loss to the Cardinals. He grabbed a missed Matt Prater field goal and took it all the way to the end zone just before the half.

Agnew’s return tied the NFL record for the longest touchdown in league history. He now shares it with just two other players. Who are those two players? And who else tops the leaderboard for the longest plays in NFL history? Here’s a look at the NFL’s longest-ever plays.

MORE: Patrick Mahomes’ no-look pass final backfires

Longest plays in NFL history

The NFL has had three 109-yard plays and nine 108-yard plays during its history. They are as follows.

Here’s an in-depth look at each of the 109-yard plays, all of which have occurred since 2007.

MORE: Gus Johnson gives all-world call on Agnew’s record-breaking TD

Antonio Cromartie

Cromartie was the first player in NFL history to record a 109-yard touchdown. The former Chargers cornerback’s return came at the end of the second half in a 7-7 game against the Vikings.

Minnesota kicker Ryan Longwell came on with just seconds remaining in the half to attempt a 58-yard field goal. It came up just short, and that’s when Cromartie began his return. He had to leap to catch the ball, but he managed to do it. Then, he began his return, which you can see below.

Cromartie’s athleticism and straight-line speed were on display during the play. Vikings coach Brad Childress was so upset with his team’s effort on the play that he tossed his headset to the ground in disgust, according to ESPN.

MORE: Kicker recovers his own kickoff as wind wreaks havoc in Bills vs. Washington game

Cordarrelle Patterson

Patterson didn’t emerge with as big of a role as he hoped during his rookie season in 2013. However, the Vikings’ first-round pick managed to erase some of the team’s bad association with 109-yard returns leftover from the Longwell-Cromartie play.

Patterson took a kickoff back against the Packers on “Sunday Night Football.” It looked like he was making a mistake taking the ball out of the end-zone. Then, he split the middle of the Packers’ special teams and managed to outrun everyone on the way to the end zone.

Patterson would turn into one of the most prolific kick returners in NFL history. He has logged eight kick return TDs in his career and counting. That is tied for the most in NFL history with Josh Cribbs and Leon Washington, so it’s fitting that Patterson would hold the record for the NFL’s longest kick return.

Jamal Agnew

Agnew is the latest to join the 109-yard club. He got a chance to do so after the Cardinals allowed Matt Prater to attempt a 68-yard field goal. Prater came up just short, and Agnew was able to get his hands on the ball.

From there, the former cornerback-turned-receiver was able to use his speed and elusiveness to avoid the Cardinals. He also easily worked his way through an attempted tackle by a Cardinals player.

Agnew’s big return gave the Jaguars an unexpected six-point halftime lead on the favored Cardinals. The Jaguars would eventually let the lead slip away, but Agnew’s heroics were thrilling, especially to broadcaster Gus Johnson.

During his career, Agnew has averaged 26.8 yards per kick return and 11.2 yards per punt return. He was named an All-Pro as a returner during his rookie season.