Bucs rookie running back Clifton Smith played an integral role in Tampa Bay's come-from-behind, 30-27 overtime win over Kansas City last week.

On Wednesday, Smith was recognized for his impressive performance when the National Football League named him the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

With the Bucs trailing 24-3 late in the second quarter, Smith returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. It was the longest kickoff return in team history and just the second kickoff return for a touchdown in franchise history.

In addition, Smith averaged 38.6 yards per kickoff return on six attempts and 13.5 yards per punt return on two tries.

Smith originally joined the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State. After spending weeks on the team's practice squad, Smith replaced second-round draft pick Dexter Jackson, who struggled mightily in his first seven games as a pro, vs. Dallas on Oct. 26.

Smith is the second Bucs player to win the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award. Kicker Matt Bryant accomplished that feat in Week 4.

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