Detroit Lions

Lions teammates name Don Carey Special Teams MVP

Published Jan. 11, 2016 10:56 a.m. ET

foxsports

Detroit Lions safety Don Carey has found his niche in the NFL. Although he did not start a single game in 2015, Carey's teammates definitely noticed his impact in the third phase of the game.

They selected him for the team's Special Teams MVP award, named after Hall of Fame defensive back/punter Yale Lary.

.@DonCarey was voted as the #Lions' special teams MVP by his teammates: https://t.co/5zGJGoyWXD pic.twitter.com/hxxxBGTDA5
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 11, 2016

Carey played in all 16 games, recording 21 tackles (17 solo) and a fumble recovery. He helped the Lions' punt team average 6.1 yards per return attempt (sixth in NFL) -- the team's best rate in more than a decade.

Carey, 28, was originally a sixth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2009. He made his NFL debut with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2010, but he has been with the Lions for each of the past five seasons. The Norfolk State product is under contract through 2016, so Detroit will employ this special teams ace for at least one more season.

.@DonCarey was named #Lions special teams MVP by his teammates. Watch his 2015 highlights: https://t.co/QsOhQ6JslT https://t.co/YgYv983GdP
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 11, 2016