After an impeccable performance against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Mike Hughes was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday.
Hughes contributed to Kansas City’s dominant 48-9 win over the Raiders by recording a team-leading nine tackles, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.
His fumble recovery was the first of five takeaways by Kansas City’s defense, and it set the tone for the rest of the afternoon that day. It was also the first time a team scored a defensive touchdown within the first 30 seconds of a game since 2019.
Hughes’ two forced fumbles also made him the first player to register two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in a single game since Seattle safety Jamal Adams accomplished the feat in 2019.
It’s the first time in Hughes’ career he’s earned Play of the Week honors and will look to carry that momentum into Thursday night when the Chiefs face the Los Angeles Chargers.
Hughes began his career in 2018 with the Minnesota Vikings as a first-round pick out of the University of Central Florida. He was traded to Kansas City this past off-season along with a 2022 seventh-round draft choice.
Hughes has recorded 34 tackles, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery for a score, and an interception in thirteen games this season.
