For the fifth consecutive game, a Detroit Lions player has been awarded Player of the Week honors, with Kalif Raymond taking the accolade for his outstanding performance against the Tennessee Titans. Raymond showcased his skills with an impressive 190 punt return yards, averaging 38 yards per return, and scored a touchdown on a punt return. Additionally, he contributed offensively with two receptions for 14 yards, marking a historic achievement as the first Lion to score both a receiving and punt return touchdown in a single game.
This recognition makes Raymond the third special teams player from the Lions to win the award in the last five weeks. Previously, punter Jack Fox received NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for his efforts against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3, and kicker Jake Bates won the award in Week 7 after making a game-winning 44-yard field goal against the Vikings.
The Lions’ PR team noted that this is only the second instance in franchise history where three different special teams players have received the award in a single season, with the last occurrence dating back to 1993. Moreover, Raymond’s achievement places him alongside Terry Fair as the only non-punter or kicker to earn this recognition more than once during their careers.
Alongside the special teams accolades, Jared Goff was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4, and Brian Branch earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for a standout game against the Cowboys in Week 6. With such a strong showing from the team, it’s exciting to speculate who might claim the Player of the Week honor in Week 9.
