Justin Hardee's blocked punt set an early tone for the New Orleans Saints in Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the impressive play earned him an honor from the NFL.
The league announced Hardee as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week on Wednesday after the rookie blocked a punt and returned it for a 7-yard touchdown in the first quarter of Sunday's 30-10 victory.
An undrafted rookie out of Illinois, Hardee has established himself as a core member of the Saints' special teams the past six games, already tallying five tackles in addition to blocked punt and touchdown.