Former Penn State punter Blake Gillikin was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Gillikin’s honor came after his Arizona Cardinals defeated the Chicago Bears.

In the Cardinals’ 20-9 victory on Sunday, Gillikin averaged 46.8 yards per punt on four attempts, and three were downed inside the 20-yard line. Head coach Jonathon Gannon has called Gillikin a weapon for the Cardinals.

Gillikin was also tasked with holding for Cardinals placekicker Chad Ryland on field goals and extra points attempts. With Gillikin holding, Ryland is 10-for-11 on field goals this season. Ryland was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month in October.

The fifth-year punter started his career as an undrafted free agent with New Orleans but has found a home with the Cardinals after being released by the Saints in 2023. Gillikin finished his 2023 campaign breaking Arizona’s single-season franchise record for average yards per punt with 50.6.

Gillikin is set to retake the stage at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, when the Cardinals take on the New York Jets at State Farm Stadium.

About the Author

James Russell

James Russell is a junior digital & print journalism major from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. He can often be found trying to manage his dynasty fantasy football team or drinking coffee at a disgraceful hour. If you ever want to talk football, his Twitter is @1JamesRussell, or you can reach out to his email Jamesrussell0908@gmail.com

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