Benjamin Named AFC Player of the Week

NEW YORK — For his record-breaking performance in a win over Buffalo, Cleveland Browns returner Travis Benjamin was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week, the NFL announced Wednesday.

Benjamin broke a 20-year old franchise record for single-game punt return yards in his team’s 37-24 victory. The Belle Glade, Fla., native recorded returns of 57 and 79 yards, the latter resulting in a key touchdown, en route to a 179-yard performance that broke Eric Metcalf’s franchise record set in 1993 (166).

Benjamin’s 79-yard return for a score, which included broken tackles and an impressive spin move, represented the second-longest of his career – just short of a 93-yard score he recorded his rookie season. Benjamin’s 25.6 punt return average against Buffalo is the highest by any NFL player in a game this season (minimum five attempts), and he is the only NFL player with two 50-yard punt returns in a contest this season.

Through Week Five, Benjamin ranks second in the NFL with a 15.1-yard punt-return average. 

This is Benjamin’s second Special Teams Player of the Week Award, having previously won the award in Week 14 of the 2012 season.  It also marks the third weekly award for #ProCanes this season, joining Devin Hester (Week Two) and Jimmy Graham (Week Four).

For the full release from NFL.com, click HERE.