'Told You!' Inside Dee Alford Punt Return TD Prediction

Alford revealed post-game that after his first chance at a punt return, when the Dolphins didn't give a chance as they punted it out of bounds, he told his teammates that he would score if they gave him one later.

"They were like, ‘OK, we’re going to see. We’re going to see.’ Actually, I was kind of getting tight on the sideline, kept on waiting, man," Alford said. "But when my opportunity came, I was able to do that, like I had told the guys like I was going to do.”

Despite never having done it as a pro, Alford has found his way into the end zone before in his career. 

“It’s my first touchdown since high school," Alford said. "It’s crazy!''

So with it being so long since seeing six points put up on the board due to a play he made, how did it feel for the second-year defensive back?

“It felt great, but I mean, I kind of knew I was going to do it, so I can’t really explain the feeling because it was supposed to happen – that type of feeling," Alford said. "But it feels great, man. I’m just ready to get to my phone, call my dad, talk to him and just see how happy he is for me.”

While fans may be unable to draw many conclusions from Alford's play against the Dolphins, as he didn't feature much on defense, they do know that Atlanta has a potential game-changer on punt returns if Friday was anything to show for it.

After a breakout season in 2022, following his signing with the Falcons last offseason after two years in the CFL, Alford is expected to be a starting contributor at the nickel position. 

Alford played in 16 games last season, breaking into a starting role in the absence of the then-injured Isaiah Oliver. Alford recorded 25 tackles, seven passes defended, and a game-sealing interception against the Cleveland Browns and is now expected to open the season as a starter.

“Dee’s one of the many cool stories we have on our team," Falcons coach Arthur Smith said following the preseason win. "He’s ... proved he’s a legit NFL player. ... [He] showed it tonight at DB, he made a couple plays. That’s a huge play. Just have somebody that can get you that first down and punt return."

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