Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the Jacksonville Jaguars

After years as a liability, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ special teams unit has become a standout this season, with weekly awards shining a light on their impact. From NFL honors to team recognitions, players are earning acclaim for clutch kicks, electrifying returns, and lockdown coverage—all signs of the unit’s turnaround under coordinator Heath Farwell. For a team with Super Bowl hopes, this strong special teams play is no luxury, and the awards validate their progress. Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the Jacksonville Jaguars explores key honors, the players behind them, and how recognition elevates the unit’s status.

The biggest weekly award came in Week 12, when kicker Brandon McManus was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his role in the Jaguars’ 24-21 win over the Texans. McManus, a free-agent signee from Denver, drilled four field goals—including a 54-yarder to take the lead and a game-winning 38-yarder as time expired—despite heavy rain and 15 mph winds. He also made both extra points, marking his first league award since 2020 and the Jaguars’ first since 2021. “This isn’t just one game,” McManus said. “It’s the daily reps—snapping, holding, kicking—in all weather. This goes to the whole unit.” Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the Jacksonville Jaguars frames his honor as a turning point for a once-inconsistent kicking game.

Internally, the Jaguars’ “Special Teams Player of the Week” has gone to return specialist Devin Duvernay twice in a month. Signed to revitalize returns, Duvernay averages 9.2 yards per punt return (12th in the NFL) and 24.5 yards per kickoff return (10th). In Week 10, his 42-yard punt return set up the Jaguars’ first TD in a 34-31 win over the Saints; in Week 11, a 38-yard kickoff return put them in Saints territory for another score. The award—with a game ball and press conference mention—has boosted his profile, and fans now chant “Devin!” when he touches the ball. “Devin treats every return like a chance to score,” Farwell said. “He studies tape and practices cuts—exactly who we need leading returns.” Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the Jacksonville Jaguars emphasizes how this internal recognition builds confidence in a unit once lacking explosive plays.

For the Jacksonville Jaguars, weekly awards also highlight unsung heroes like long snapper Ross Matiscik, who won the “Special Teams Unsung Hero” award in Week 9. With the Jaguars since 2020, Matiscik has 300+ error-free snaps (punts, field goals, extra points). In Week 9, his precise snaps helped McManus make three field goals, including a 51-yarder needing perfect timing. “You don’t notice a long snapper until something goes wrong, but Ross never slips,” Farwell said. “Every kick starts with him—we can’t succeed without him.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, honoring Matiscik sends a message: every role matters, from kickers to long snappers. It also lifts morale for role players, who now feel their work is valued. Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the Jacksonville Jaguars explores how this strengthens the unit’s camaraderie.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ special teams have also gained national recognition, like Pro Football Focus (PFF) naming them “AFC Special Teams Unit of the Week” in Week 11. After their Saints win—featuring Duvernay’s 42-yard return, McManus’ 3-for-3 kicks, and a 2-yard punt coverage stop—PFF gave them an 89.3 grade, the AFC’s highest that week. The honor was featured on PFF’s podcast and social media, expanding their audience. “This shows we’re doing it right,” Farwell said. “It’s a recruiting tool—special teams players see we reward their work.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this national acclaim makes special teams a fan pride point, with fans now celebrating returns and kicks like touchdowns. Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the Jacksonville Jaguars notes how this changes the unit’s narrative.

Finally, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ special teams awards have a team-wide ripple effect, boosting morale and excellence. When McManus or Duvernay wins, the whole team celebrates—locker room speeches break down divides between special teams and position players. After McManus’ AFC award, Trevor Lawrence posted a photo: “My guy comes through when it matters.” The Jaguars are 5-1 in games with special teams awards, crediting the unit’s energy for two comebacks. “Special teams used to be a risk—now they win games,” Lawrence said. “Their recognition makes us all step up.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, awards aren’t just about individuals—they build a team where every role matters. Weekly Awards Spotlight Special Teams of the Jacksonville Jaguars concludes this recognition signals organizational growth: when offense, defense, and special teams click, the Jaguars can compete for playoffs—with their award-winning special teams as a secret weapon.