After tying the NFL single-season record for interception returns for a touchdown with his fourth on Sunday, Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland said he was gunning to set the mark as soon as possible.
He needed just five days.
The second-year cornerback returned an interception 63 yards for the Cowboys’ final score in a 45-10 demolition of the Washington Commanders on Thanksgiving Day.
Entering Thursday, Bland had been tied with Eric Allen (1993), Jim Kearney (1972) and Ken Houston (1971) for the record.
Bland has more defensive touchdowns than any other team this season. The Indianapolis Colts are second with three. His five touchdowns are equal to notable offensive players like Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley and Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs.
Bland’s record-setter came after jumping an out route from Washington’s Sam Howell to Jahan Dotson on second-and-10 from the Dallas 43. After breaking on the ball, the Cowboys sideline erupted as Bland ran downfield. Howell nearly brought him down at the Washington 17, but he sidestepped the quarterback and then eluded Brian Robinson Jr. and Terry McLaurin at the 11 to get in the end zone.
Bland opened the season with a 22-yard touchdown in Dallas’ 40-0 win against the Giants after Trevon Diggs hit Barkley so hard the ball popped in the air. His second came against the New England Patriots, when quarterback Mac Jones tried to throw back across the field to Kendrick Bourne, and Bland returned it untouched 54 yards for a score. His third — a 30-yard return — came against the Los Angeles Rams when Matthew Stafford was off on a throw to Cooper Kupp.