Jarvis Landry named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month

Miami Dolphins Press Release | Posted at 5:30 PM EST

Miami Dolphins rookie kick returner Jarvis Landry has been named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for October, it was announced today by the National Football League.

In the month of October, Landry, the Dolphins second-round pick (63rd overall) in the 2014 NFL draft, returned five kickoffs for 178 yards (35.6), with a long of 54 yards. The 35.6 average kickoff return is second-highest in the NFL in October and is the highest October average in franchise history. On the season, Landry has returned 16 kicks for 500 yards, including a long of 74 yards, for an average of 31.3 yards per kickoff return. The 31.3 yards per kick return currently leads the NFL and his long return of 74 yards is sixth-longest in the NFL.

The honor marks the first Player of the Month for Landry. He is the first Miami special teams player to be honored with the monthly award since kicker Dan Carpenter was recognized for his accomplishments during the month of October in 2010. Landry also becomes the first conference rookie to win the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month since Oakland Raiders kick returner Jacoby Ford received the award following the month of November 2010. He is the second Dolphins rookie to win the honor, joining Carpenter, who received the Special Teams Player of the Month award for his performance during November in 2008.

Since the monthly awards were established in 1986 for Offense and Defensive Player of the Month, this is the 19th time a Dolphins player has earned a AFC monthly honor and just the fifth time since 1993 when Special Teams Player of the Month was added, a Miami special teams player has been recognized. Previous Dolphins AFC Special Teams Player of the Month winners include: kicker Olindo Mare (1999, October), Carpenter (2008, November and 2010, October) and returner Ted Ginn Jr. (2009, November). 

---