Colts Defensive End Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week
INDIANAPOLIS – Robert Mathis this past Sunday did what he often has done in a six-year NFL career – made a big play when the Colts needed it defensively.
On Wednesday, Mathis was honored for the effort.
Mathis, the Colts' second all-time sacks leader and a six-year veteran, on Wednesday was named the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week. It is the second such honor of his career.
He previously earned the honor in 2004.
It marked the fourth time a Colts player has earned AFC Player of the Week honors this season, with middle linebacker Gary Brackett being named AFC Defensive Player of the Week following a victory at Houston in October and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after victories over Baltimore (October) and Houston (November).
Mathis, who leads the Colts with nine sacks this season and has 51 in his career, registered two sacks on Browns quarterback Derek Anderson Sunday, and also returned a fumble 37 yards early in the fourth quarter for the game-winning touchdown.
It was the first touchdown of Mathis' career on any level of football.
Mathis also has been nominated for the GMC Sierra Defensive Player of the Week Award. Fans can vote for that award on NFL.com/gmc through 4 p.m. EST Thursday., with the winner being announced Thursday evening on NFL.com.
