Jacoby Jones hadn't returned a kickoff since 2010.
So when he fielded one eight yards deep in the end zone Sunday, Jones had to bring it out.
"You just get that itch, and I wanted to scratch it," he said.
On his first kickoff return since taking over the duty, Jones raced for a record-setting, 108-yard touchdown that made a huge difference in the Ravens' 31-29 victory over Dallas.
It tied the record for the longest kickoff return in NFL history. Green Bay's Randall Cobb and New England's Ellis Hobbs had 108-yarders in 2011 and 2007, respectively.
Jones' touchdown return is the longest in Ravens franchise history, topping wide receiver David Reed's previous high of 103 yards against Houston in 2010.
Signed this offseason to help boost the Ravens' special teams returns, Jones was limited to just punt returns in the Ravens' first five games.
Rookie wide receiver Deonte Thompson averaged 25.9 yards per kick return (13th best in the NFL), but lost a fumble last week in Kansas City when it looked like he could break out a big gain. So Baltimore went with Jones this week and deactivated Thompson.
Jones said he didn't have a big reaction when he got the news in practice this week, responding with a simple, "alright." But Head Coach John Harbaugh indicated that Jones has voiced his desires.
"He's a guy that's got experience in there and that's probably the biggest thing [in the decision]," Harbaugh said. "I know one thing; he wants the ball in his hands. So that might be as big a part of it as any."
Jones said the touchdown return played out exactly as one he had this week in practice. He followed behind running back Anthony Allen and cornerback Corey Graham, who both sealed the edge. Allen hit one Cowboys defender and Jones was off to the races.
"That thing spread like the Red Sea," Jones said. "I was gassed. I think I kind of threw up a little bit on the sidelines, but I was ready to go again."
Jones had two more kick returns. He brought the next one back 25 yards before taking a big hit. Then he had a 26-yarder that started Baltimore's decisive fourth-quarter touchdown drive off on the right foot.
"We've been talking about getting a big play and breaking a play like that all year, and we have been close," Harbaugh said. "To set the National Football League record for a kickoff return, in what was the difference in the game, was pretty special."
