Mariani earning NFL hardware

It's early in his career, but Tennessee Titans' wide receiver Marc Mariani is already adding some NFL hardware to his new mantle in Nashville.

Earlier this week, the Titans return specialist was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against the Washington Redskins last Sunday. Mariani was also nominated for the Pepsi Rookie of the Week in the NFL.

The rookie seventh round pick gave the Titans an early 7-0 lead with an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter.

Mariani, who leads the NFL with a 17.1 punt return avg. and ranks third in the AFC with 26.3-yard kickoff return avg., recorded the second-longest punt return for a touchdown in franchise history, equaling Billy Johnson's 87-yarder against Cleveland on Oct. 16, 1977.

Mariani also became the second Titans/Oilers player to record a punt return touchdown and kickoff return touchdown in the same regular season.

Not only is Mariani garnering weekly attention for his achievements on the football field, but the league itself is taking notice.

Fans of Mariani can vote for him to make the Pro Bowl in February as a return specialist by going and voting at NFL.com. Mariani is one of four return specialists in the AFC nominated for Pro Bowl consideration.

The for University of Montana All-American comes into this Sunday's game at the Houston Texans second in the NFL in total return yards this season.

The Titans (5-5) play the Texans at 11 a.m. M.S.T. in Houston.

Note: Fans can follow Mariani's rookie season with the Titans every Thursday for the rest of the season in the Havre Daily News and online at http://www.havredailynews.com.