Northern Illinois University senior cornerback JaVaughn Byrd (Milwaukee, Wis./Rufus King HS) collected Mid-American Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors on Monday after his 95-yard return of a blocked kick in NIU’s 24-16 win over Central Michigan on Saturday.

After NIU defensive tackle Cade Haberman blocked CMU’s extra-point attempt on the Chippewas first touchdown, Byrd picked up the block at the five-yard line and flew 95 yards untouched for two points, extending the Huskies’ lead back to 21-6 with 13:44 left in the first half.

Byrd’s two-point defensive PAT was only the third in school history and the first by NIU since Jalen McKie on November 1, 2018, versus Akron.

One of 30 seniors who played their final game in Huskie Stadium, Byrd finished the game with five tackles, including four solo stops, and has 39 tackles, 25 solo, on the year.

Byrd is the eighth Huskie to earn MAC Player of the Week honors this season and the third to earn the Special Teams honor.

With the win over Central Michigan, NIU awaits its postseason bowl destination with a record of 7-5 overall, 4-4 in MAC play.  Bowl announcements will be made on Sunday, December 8.

NIU is currently accepting deposits for 2025 Huskie Football season tickets. Returning and new fans can now claim their seats in Huskie Stadium for all six 2025 home games for just $75 for West Side reserved seats. Deposits for premium seats and areas on the West Side, including benchback, chairback, Sky Club, Sky Box and Coaches’ Club are $150.

For more information and to make a deposit for 2025 NIU Football season tickets or for questions regarding 2025 season tickets, deposits, premium seating and more, contact the NIU Athletics Ticket Office at 815-753-PACK (7225).