Ihrmir Smith-Marsette, the New York Giants' return specialist, has earned the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award for Week 17 following an impressive 100-yard kickoff return touchdown during the Giants' 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. This remarkable play occurred on the opening kickoff of the second half, marking Smith-Marsette's second career kickoff return touchdown and the first for the Giants since Dwayne Harris achieved a similar feat in 2015.

This touchdown is particularly significant as it reflects the changing dynamics of kickoff returns under the league’s new rules, being the seventh such return this season and just the 24th in the history of the Giants franchise. Smith-Marsette joins linebacker Isaiah Simmons in receiving NFC Special Teams honors this season, highlighting the impact of special teams on the Giants' performance.

After signing Smith-Marsette as a free agent due to an injury to Gunner Olszewski, he has made a notable contribution in his fourth NFL season, averaging 34.6 yards on 11 kickoff returns and 7.5 yards on 27 punt returns. As the Giants prepare for their next challenge, the team looks to build on this momentum with their recent successes in special teams.