Marvin Mims Jr. Earns AFC Special Teams Player of the Week After Electric Punt Return TD
Marvin Mims Jr. didn’t just flip the field - he flipped the script. The Broncos’ dynamic return man was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after a jaw-dropping 48-yard punt return touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders that reminded everyone exactly why Denver drafted him.
Let’s set the scene: Mims fields the punt, hemmed in by defenders, nowhere to go - or so it seemed. Then, with a burst of acceleration and some slick footwork, he slipped a pair of tackles, hit the edge, and turned on the jets down the left sideline.
It wasn’t just a highlight-reel moment; it was a momentum-changer. That score gave the Broncos a 14-7 lead in a game they would go on to control with relative ease, notching their 10th straight win and pushing their record to an impressive 11-2.
For Mims, this was the first punt return touchdown of his NFL career, but it’s far from the first time he’s made a game-changing play in the return game. He’s been a field-position weapon all season, consistently giving Denver’s offense a shorter field to work with. And now, the league is taking notice - again.
This marks the third time Mims has been named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in his young career. That puts him in elite company in Broncos history.
Only two players - both kickers, Matt Prater and Jason Elam - have won the award more times, with five each. Not bad company for a second-year return man still carving out his niche.
And the Broncos’ special teams unit as a whole is getting its flowers. Kicker Wil Lutz took home the same honor back in Week 10.
Now, in Week 14, Mims adds his name to the list. It’s a testament to how complete this Denver team has become during its win streak - offense, defense, and yes, special teams all pulling their weight.
Head coach Sean Payton has praised Mims throughout the season, and it’s easy to see why. Every time he touches the football, there’s a chance something electric might happen. His speed is real, his vision is sharp, and his confidence is growing by the week.
Mims’ emergence as a special teams ace adds yet another layer to a Broncos squad that’s peaking at the right time. If he keeps playing like this, don’t be surprised if more hardware - and maybe even a Pro Bowl nod - is headed his way soon.