Minnesota Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels returns a punt for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015.
Marcus Sherels became the first punt returner in Vikings history to win this award. Mike DiNovo USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Sherels' 65-yard punt-return touchdown against the Chicago Bears in Week 8 was a huge play that helped lift the Minnesota Vikings to a 23-20 victory. On Wednesday, Sherels was recognized by the league with an NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.
He is the first punt returner in Vikings history to earn such an honor, according to NFC communications director Randall Liu.
Sherels' score last Sunday was the third punt-return touchdown of his career, a new franchise record. He's on pace to set a new career-high for punt returns in a single season this year, and he's averaging a healthy 11.5 yards per return.
The Vikings are still learning how to win with consistency; having a legitimate threat to score on special teams, such as Sherels, should help them find their footing.
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