Browns punter Spencer Lanning had a memorable day on Sunday.
He became the first NFL player since Sam Baker of the Eagles in 1968 to punt, kick an extra point and throw a touchdown pass in the same game during Cleveland’s 31-27 victory over the Vikings. It’s little surprise, then, to learn that the NFL has named him the AFC special teams player of the week.
Lanning threw a touchdown to tight end Jordan Cameron on a fake field goal try. Lanning, who is usually just holding the ball, stood up after taking the snap and hit a wide-open Cameron for an easy touchdown. He then kicked the final extra point because Billy Cundiff was out with a quadriceps injury.
Not bad for a guy who didn’t start playing football until an injury interfered with his soccer career during high school.
Lanning’s the first Browns punter to take home the award since Reggie Hodges was honored during the 2010 season. Kick returner Travis Benjamin was a winner in Week 14 last season.