Laube earns AFC honor after 95-yard kickoff return

Dylan Laube’s kickoff return for a touchdown helped the Raiders take back the lead in their 38-33 victory over the Jets on Sunday. The third-year running back was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week on November 4, after also making a tackle on special teams.

The return came just 12 seconds after the Jets went ahead 13-7 in the second quarter. Geno Smith had connected with Isaiah Williams for an 18-yard touchdown; Laube then carried the ensuing kickoff 95 yards to the end zone, and Matt Gay’s kick put Las Vegas back in front.

Laube’s parents watched from the stands. He grew up on Long Island and had attended games at MetLife Stadium with his father to see the Giants. He said the return was an adrenaline rush and that he could not follow everything happening during the play.

Before the game, Laube led qualified NFL kickoff returners with an average of 31.1 yards per attempt. He had also returned a kickoff 53 yards against the Chiefs. Sunday’s score was the league’s first kickoff return touchdown of the season.

Laube’s work extends beyond returns: he also has a role tackling on special teams. The Raiders’ next game is against the 49ers on Sunday.