Charles Walker (Photo by Elliott Hess | UK Athletics)
The only two Kentucky players to return a punt for a touchdown in the last 10 years are Charles Walker and Randall Cobb.
Cobb is now a distinguished receiver with the Green Bay Packers while Walker went from walk-on to scholarship receiver in his four years at UK to a recent free agent signee of the Detroit Lions.
But they do have another memory together connected to the Kentucky Derby.
“It’s kind of funny it was him that is the only other guy with a punt return touchdown in the last 10 years,” Walker said. “I was a sophomore in high school and he stayed at my house during the (Kentucky) Derby. He left me a picture and signed it, ‘Always chase your dreams.’ I have that hanging in my room now.”
But what was Cobb doing at his house for the Derby?
Turns out Walker’s parents had rented the house to Cobb. Walker believes former UK basketball stars Anthony Davis and John Wall were renting a neighbor’s house at the same time.
“I really wasn’t supposed to be home but I went any way. My parents were not there but Randall and (former UK basketball player) Darius Miller were there watching some NBA game on TV. I got kind of star struck and I’m not even sure I knew my name. But it’s a great memory to have,” Walker said.
