Marvin Mims Earns AFC Special Teams Player of the Week After Electric Punt Return TD
Marvin Mims is making a habit out of flipping the field-and the scoreboard-with a single return. The Denver Broncos’ second-year wideout and return ace was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after a game-changing performance against the Las Vegas Raiders, helping the Broncos notch their 10th straight win.
Mims didn’t just contribute-he ignited the momentum with a 48-yard punt return touchdown that showcased everything that makes him one of the league’s most dangerous return men. Vision, patience, burst-Mims read the coverage like a seasoned vet and hit the seam with authority. It was the kind of return that doesn’t just rack up yards-it demoralizes the opposing coverage unit and energizes the entire sideline.
This isn’t new territory for Mims. He’s already earned All-Pro honors as a returner in each of his first two seasons, and if Sunday’s performance is any indication, he’s barreling toward a third.
His latest Player of the Week nod is the third of his career-his first came in Week 10 of 2023, the second in Week 15 of last season, and now this one after Week 14. That puts him atop the Broncos’ all-time list for returners in terms of weekly honors and ties him for third overall in club history, trailing only kickers Matt Prater and Jason Elam, who each earned the distinction five times.
Mims is part of a growing list of Broncos making noise on a weekly basis this season. He joins kicker Wil Lutz (Week 11), linebacker Nik Bonitto (Week 5), and edge rusher Jonathon Cooper (Week 6) as Denver players to take home AFC Player of the Week honors this year. It’s a testament to how balanced and opportunistic this team has become under Sean Payton.
Statistically, Mims is leading the league in punt return yards heading into Week 15, with 394 yards on 24 returns. That’s a 16.4-yard average-matching the career high he set as a rookie. In today’s NFL, where special teams can often be overlooked, Mims is a reminder that the third phase of the game can still be a game-changer.
And while his impact on special teams is undeniable, there’s a growing push inside the building to get him more involved on offense. Payton and the offensive staff have made it clear: Mims’ explosiveness needs more touches. Whether it’s jet sweeps, screens, or vertical shots, his skillset begs for more opportunities.
With a big matchup against the Green Bay Packers on deck, there’s no better time to unleash him. If Mims keeps doing what he’s doing, the Broncos won’t just be a team on a hot streak-they’ll be a team nobody wants to face in January.