Lions' Jack Fox Named NFC Special Teams Player of Week
Detroit punter earns the honor for the second time in his career after a strong performance against the Minnesota Vikings.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox was named NFC special teams player of the week. He punted four times for 186 yards against the Minnesota Vikings, with three punts dropping inside the 20-yard line.
Why it matters
The award marks Fox's second special teams player of the week honor, reinforcing his consistency in the Lions' kicking game. It follows D.J. Wonnum's recognition the previous week for a blocked field goal against the Green Bay Packers.
Fox punted four times for 186 yards against the Vikings, with the Vikings starting on average at their own 15-yard line on his punts. Through eight weeks Fox ranks sixth in the league with a 43.7-yard net average, and 12 of his 25 punts have dropped inside the 20-yard line.
The players
Jack Fox
Jack Fox is the Detroit Lions punter and a two-time Pro Bowler who has earned first-team and second-team All-Pro recognition.
D.J. Wonnum
D.J. Wonnum is a Detroit Lions player who earned NFC special teams player of the week honors for a blocked field goal against the Green Bay Packers.
The details
Fox's four punts against the Vikings produced 186 total yards, and three of them landed inside the 20-yard line. The honor is his second as special teams player of the week, having last won the award in Week 3 of 2024.
Timeline
- Week 3 of 2024: Fox last earned special teams player of the week honors.
- Through eight weeks of the 2026 season: Fox compiled his current net average and punt placement numbers.
- Last week: Wonnum's blocked field goal earned NFC special teams honors.
Season Trajectory
Fox's second special teams award reinforces the Lions' strong special teams play this season, following Wonnum's recognition the previous week. His consistent placement of punts inside the 20-yard line strengthens Detroit's field position advantage in the NFC race.
Fox's 43.7-yard net average and high rate of punts inside the 20-yard line make him a relevant factor for fantasy punters and for teams weighing field position. The Lions' special teams output this week may influence how opponents plan their return game.
The takeaway
Consistent punt placement can quietly swing field position across a game, and Fox's numbers show how special teams contribute beyond the scoreboard. Readers tracking the Lions should watch net average and inside-20 totals, which often predict field position advantages.
Further reading
Explore more Detroit Lions football coverage for the latest on the team's roster and season.
