They don't often show up in the highlights, but punters can be weapons on special teams when it comes to flipping field position, and Kansas City Chiefs' rookie Tommy Townsend is among the best at his craft.
Townsend was recognized for his efforts on Wednesday as he earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors, tallying the first such accolade of his young career. The University of Florida product tallied six punts in the Chiefs' victory over New Orleans, dropping a career-high three kicks inside the Saints' 20-yard line.
He also tallied a 61-yard punt – tied for the second-longest in the NFL last weekend – and added a 57-yard free kick at the end of the first half.
This marks the third time a member of the Chiefs has won AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors, as Harrison Butker (Week 2) and Byron Pringle (Week 7) each won the award earlier this season.
Townsend is currently ranked as the fourth-best punter in the NFL this season according to the advanced metrics compiled by Pro Football Focus, and now he has some hardware to show for it.
