New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson accomplished something for the first time in his six-year career on Wednesday, while also snapping a nearly three-year drought for the franchise as well.
The veteran dual-threat earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors on Wednesday following his 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
Gibson finished the victory with six kick returns for 171 yards while adding five carries for 27 yards and a one-yard reception as well.
“Patriots RB Antonio Gibson has been named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week, with his big play the 90-yard kickoff return for a TD in the fourth quarter. Gibson said he was talking to himself before the play … and so he plans to keep talking to himself this week,” ESPN’s Mike Reiss posted on Bluesky. “Additional nuggets: ð First Player of the Week honor in Antonio Gibson’s 6-year NFL career ðWas Gibson’s 1st career kickoff return for TD ð First Player of the Week award for a Patriots player since the 2022 season (Kyle Dugger/defense/Week 17)”
Additional nuggets:ð First Player of the Week honor in Antonio Gibson's 6-year NFL careerðWas Gibson's 1st career kickoff return for TDð First Player of the Week award for a Patriots player since the 2022 season (Kyle Dugger/defense/Week 17)— Mike Reiss (@mikereiss.bsky.social) 2025-09-17T16:08:57.402Z
Even though Gibson’s touchdown vs. Miami was the first of his career via kick return, he’s been a standout returner in the past.
Story continues below advertisement
He’s one of the most versatile offensive weapons on the Patriots, finishing last season with a team-high 983 all-purpose yards, 239 of which came on nine kickoff returns. Gibson’s improved his efficiency in kick returns over the last four years, averaging 23.1 and 24.3 yards per return with the Washington Commanders in 2022 and 2023, respectively and then 26.6 yards last season.
The 27-year-old leads the NFL in kick return yards (239) through two weeks on his eight attempts.
Story continues below advertisement