NEW YORK, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Chicago Bears rookie Devin Hester, who set an NFL record for returns for touchdowns, was selected NFC special teams player of the week.
New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was picked for conference offensive player of the week honors and Minnesota cornerback Cedric Griffin took the defensive award.
Hester returned two kickoffs for touchdowns Monday night, giving him a league-record six punt and kickoff returns for scores this season, in helping the Bears to a 42-27 victory over the St. Louis Rams. It was the second consecutive week, and third time overall, the Bears' rookie won the NFC honor.
Brees earned his second player of the week award of the season with a 26-of-38 passing performance. He threw for 384 yards and five touchdowns in the Saints' 42-17 win over Dallas.
Griffin, another rookie, had an interception, forced one fumble and recovered another in the Vikings' 30-20 win over Detroit. Both of his turnovers led to Minnesota touchdowns.
