Giants LB Kayvon Thibodeaux named NFC Defensive Player of the Week
For the first time in his professional career, New York Giants rookie linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
The honor comes after Thibodeaux's dominant performance against the Washington Commanders in Week 15 at FedEx Field.
In the much-needed 20-12 victory, Thibodeaux recorded 12 tackles (nine solo, three for a loss), one QB hit, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one touchdown.
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"When you see [Washington Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke] running and you look down, and you see the goal line right there, it ain't even about angles, it's just about making a play," Thibodeaux said as he reflected on the touchdown. "I couldn't tell you if I had a good angle. I just know he saw me and I saw him."
Thibodeaux was so dominant he even surprised himself.
Leading up to the game, Thibodeaux told reporters, "prime time like me." He specifically asked them to print that quote and he made sure to back up that confidence.
Thibodeaux is the first Giants defensive player to win the award since defensive lineman Leonard Williams in 2020.
The Giants have been recognized with a Player of the Week honor multiple times this season. Giants running back Saquon Barkley was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 1.
Meanwhile, veteran kicker Graham Gano was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 2. In Week 7, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones won NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.