Andres Borregales Earns AFC Weekly Honor for the New England Patriots

In a season where the New England Patriots have relied on consistency and clutch plays to stay in the AFC playoff race, kicker Andres Borregales has emerged as an unexpected hero—earning the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor for his standout performance in the team’s recent win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Andres Borregales Earns AFC Weekly Honor for the New England Patriots isn’t just a personal milestone for the second-year kicker; it’s a recognition of the critical role special teams have played in the Patriots’ success this season. After a rocky rookie year where he struggled with accuracy, Borregales has refined his craft, becoming a reliable weapon for a Patriots team that often wins games by narrow margins. For a franchise known for its attention to detail and special teams excellence, this honor is a nod to the team’s ability to develop talent and fill key roles.

Andres Borregales Earns AFC Weekly Honor for the New England Patriots comes on the heels of a career-defining game against the Steelers, where he single-handedly accounted for 12 of the Patriots’ 25 points. Borregales made all four of his field goal attempts—including a 52-yarder that sailed through the uprights with ease and a game-winning 38-yard kick as time expired—to secure the Patriots’ 25-22 victory. He also converted both of his extra-point tries, showing off the consistency that has eluded him in previous seasons. What made his performance even more impressive was the pressure: the Steelers had tied the game with 1:45 left, and the Patriots’ offense could only move the ball 30 yards before turning to Borregales to win it. “Andres was calm under fire, which is exactly what you want from a kicker,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said in a post-game press conference. “He put in the work all week, and it showed when it mattered most. This honor is well-deserved.”

Andres Borregales Earns AFC Weekly Honor for the New England Patriots highlights the growth the kicker has shown since joining the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2023. During his rookie season, Borregales made just 72% of his field goal attempts, missing key kicks in losses to the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills that ultimately cost the Patriots a playoff spot. This offseason, he spent extra time working with special teams coordinator Cameron Achord, refining his approach to kicking in cold weather and improving his consistency on long-distance attempts. He also studied film of legendary Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri, focusing on Vinatieri’s ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations. “Last year was humbling,” Borregales admitted in an interview. “I knew I had to get better, so I put in the work—early mornings, late nights, whatever it took. To earn this honor is a testament to that effort and the support of the coaching staff.”

Andres Borregales Earns AFC Weekly Honor for the New England Patriots has provided a much-needed morale boost for a team that has faced its share of challenges this season. The Patriots have hovered around .500 for most of the year, with narrow wins and losses leaving fans uncertain about their playoff chances. Borregales’ honor, however, has shifted the narrative—highlighting a player who has turned his struggles into success and embodying the Patriots’ “next man up” mentality. Teammates have praised Borregales for his work ethic and leadership, with quarterback Mac Jones calling him “the unsung hero of our offense.” “When you know you have a kicker like Andres who can make those big plays, it gives the whole team confidence,” Jones said. “He’s not just a kicker—he’s a playmaker, and this honor proves it.” For the New England Patriots, Borregales’ success is a reminder that even the smallest roles can have a huge impact on a team’s season, and that development and persistence can turn weaknesses into strengths.

Andres Borregales Earns AFC Weekly Honor for the New England Patriots has also resonated with fans, who have taken to social media to celebrate the kicker’s achievement. #BorregalesAFC and #PatriotsSpecialTeams have trended on Twitter, with fans sharing highlights of his game-winning kick against the Steelers and recalling his journey from undrafted rookie to weekly honoree. Local Boston sports bars have even hosted “Borregales Watch Parties” for the Patriots’ next game, giving fans a chance to cheer on the honored kicker together. “Andres has been a bright spot in a up-and-down season,” said a lifelong Patriots fan. “To see him come back from last year’s struggles and earn this honor is amazing. He’s exactly the kind of player we love in New England—hardworking, humble, and clutch when it counts.” For the New England Patriots, the fan support is a reminder of how much this honor means to the community, and how a single player’s success can unite fans around the team.

Andres Borregales Earns AFC Weekly Honor for the New England Patriots is more than just a weekly award—it’s a sign that the Patriots’ commitment to developing talent and prioritizing special teams is paying off. As the team enters the final stretch of the season, Borregales will be a key piece of their playoff push, with his ability to make clutch kicks potentially deciding the outcome of close games. For Borregales himself, the honor is a motivation to keep improving, not a stopping point. “This is great, but I’m not done,” he said. “I want to help this team make the playoffs, and that means continuing to make the kicks when they matter most. This honor is a step in the right direction, but there’s still a lot of work to do.” For the New England Patriots and their fans, Andres Borregales’ AFC Weekly Honor is a reason to celebrate—and a reason to believe that the team’s best football might still be ahead of them.