Chiefs news: Byron Pringle named AFC Special Teams Player of Week

Chiefs wide receiver Byron Pringle earned Special Teams Player of the Week honors in Week 7.

The National Football League announced the Players of the Week for Week 7 on Wednesday, and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Byron Pringle earned the Special Teams award for the AFC.

In a game filled with highlights, it was Pringle’s incredible 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that was the most memorable from the Chiefs dominating win on the road over the Denver Broncos. Pringle benefitted from exceptional blocking by his teammates, but he certainly showed great vision and speed on his return,.

Pringle’s return of 102 yards eclipsed the single longest play in the league this season by a single yard through seven weeks.

Not only did Pringle have that incredible return, but he also helped to pin the ball at the one-yard line after a sensational punt from rookie Tommy Townsend. Together, those plays likely made it a very easy call to give Pringle this  week’s award for special teams excellence.

For the Chiefs, the performance on special teams overall was a nice change of pace from what had been a pretty miserable season of results up to that point. Despite the big leg of Harrison Butker that has come up big in specific games, every facet of special teams has shown their struggles at times—including the Chiefs kicker. From missed extra points (which continue to this week) to poor returns and missed tackles to costly mistakes, the Chiefs special teams have been ranked near the NFL’s basement after years of supremacy under Dave Toub’s leadership.

Pringle did his part on Sunday and the Chiefs looked much better overall on special teams. This is a good sign moving forward that this young roster is learning how to excel together. Pringle certainly showed what he can do and the NFL awarded him for it.