The NFC special teams player of the week? Yeah, that’s Simi Fehoko, and he absolutely lit up Week 1 for the Arizona Cardinals. This dude dropped a performance that flat-out decided a game and started the 2026 season for the Cardinals on the perfect foot. When you get a player of the week nod, you know it was big, but Fehoko’s impact was next level, especially considering who they were playing.
Fehoko’s Punt Block Changed Everything
Seriously, this play was clutch. Last Sunday, with the Cardinals up by a slim two points in the fourth quarter, Fehoko came through with a massive blocked punt. That block didn’t just stop a Chargers drive; it directly set up a touchdown. Think about that for a second: a two-point lead late in the game, against the team that was the *biggest favorite in the entire league* heading into Week 1. That blocked punt was a gut punch to the Chargers and a massive shot of adrenaline for Arizona. It helped seal their 26-14 win, a scoreline that looks a lot more comfortable than the game actually was before that special teams heroics. And it wasn’t his only play either; earlier in the game, Fehoko also had a tackle covering a kick. He was everywhere.
Second Season, Big Statement
This isn’t just a fluke, either. This is Fehoko’s second season with the Cardinals, and he’s clearly making his presence felt. Last season, he racked up seven tackles just playing on special teams. That’s a guy who knows how to make an impact when he’s out there. Getting the NFC special teams player of the week award on Wednesday is a huge statement early in the season, telling the rest of the league that you can’t sleep on these Cardinals or their special teams unit.
What does this mean going forward? For Fehoko, it means he’s a player to watch every single snap on special teams. For the Cardinals, it means they just pulled off a huge upset thanks to a game-changing play, and that kind of momentum can carry a team. The season is young, but Simi Fehoko has already dropped a highlight reel moment that won them a game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
Leave a Reply