Vernon Named Special Teams Player of the Week

NEW YORK — For his dominant performance in the Miami Dolphins’ 30-9 win over division rival New York, rookie defensive end Olivier Vernon was recognized with AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

The Miami, Fla. native joined New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady (Offensive) and Denver Broncos’ linebacker Wesley Woodyard (Defensive) in Week Eight recognition.

Vernon, who recovered a blocked punt in the endzone for his first career touchdown, also played in 39 ofthe Dolphins’ 82 snaps (48 percent) on defense. He would block a field goal of his own in the third quarter, helping the Dolphinsbecome the first team in 20 years to block a punt, block a field goal andrecover an onside kick in the same game.

Vernon is the first Dolphin to win Special Teams Player of the Week since Dan Carpenter in 2010 (Week Eight). It was the first career honor for Vernon and the fourth this season for ProCanes (Calais Campbell in Week Two, Reggie Wayne in Week Five, Antrel Rolle in Week Six).

To read the full release from the National Football League, click HERE.