Defensive end Cliff Avril has been one of the Seahawks' best players this season, and on Thursday he was rewarded for his standout play, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors for October.

Avril, who ranks third in the NFL with 7.5 sacks, picked up 6.5 of those in October, and also forced three fumbles, two of which led to Seahawks touchdowns. Avril knocked the ball away from Saints running back Mark Ingram in last week's loss at New Orleans, and safety Earl Thomas recovered and scored from 34-yards out. Earlier in the month, Avril had a sack and forced fumble against Atlanta that set up a Seahawks score in a win over the Falcons.

Avril becomes the third Seahawks defensive player to earn player of the month honors in the past four seasons, joining Richard Sherman in 2013 and Bobby Wagner in 2014.

In addition to his standout play earning Avril accolades, those sacks have also helped support a good cause, with Avril pledging to fund a new home in Haiti for every sack this season. Avril is also hosting an online auction to raise money that will help those affected by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti.