Buffalo Bills FB Reggie Gilliam Named AFC Special Teams Player of Week
Buffalo Bills fullback Reggie Gilliam has been named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 11, the NFL announced Wednesday.
Gilliam provided an immediate spark on the opening kickoff in Buffalo's convincing 32-6 win over the New York Jets at home on Sunday. He forced a fumble of Jets rookie Xavier Gipson that immediately set Buffalo up in field-goal range. The Bills used this early momentum to cruise to a crucial blowout win at home.
"Reggie Gilliam set the tone on play one. That's what it came down to," Bills quarterback Josh Allen said postgame.
Buffalo Bills full back Reggie Gilliam (41) with a number 3 on his jersey to show support for safety Damar Hamlin (3) during the second half against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium.
© Gregory Fisher, USA TODAY
It marked the second forced fumble of Gilliam's career after he had one back in the 2020 season. In four NFL seasons, he's posted 11 total tackles while also catching 14 passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns along with three carries for three yards.
This season, Gilliam's only caught one pass for three yards, but he had two catches for 17 yards and his second-career touchdown in last year's 41-7 blowout over the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football. That marked arguably the most notable game of Gilliam's career.
With his Special Teams Player of the Week honor, Gilliam becomes the third Bill to win a weekly award this season and fourth time overall. Allen won AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performances in Weeks 2 and 4 while Buffalo linebacker Terrel Bernard won AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 3.
The Bills will take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
