All articles tagged with #comeback player of the year
NFL.com analyst Grant Gordon previews the 2026 Comeback Player of the Year field, led by Patrick Mahomes’ anticipated return from knee surgery and Aaron Donald’s unretirement. The list also features Daniel Jones, Kyler Murray, Jayden Daniels, Micah Parsons, Michael Penix Jr., Geno Smith, Odell Beckham Jr. and Tank Dell, with notes on CPOTY history and other potential candidates.
Christian McCaffrey won the Comeback Player of the Year for the 2025 season, becoming the first running back to claim the award since 2001, after a healthy year with the 49ers that saw 1,202 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs, plus 102 receptions for 924 yards. San Francisco went 12-5 and made the playoffs before a divisional-round exit. Finalists included Stefon Diggs, Aidan Hutchinson, Trevor Lawrence and Dak Prescott, with one vote for Philip Rivers. In the postseason, McCaffrey had 83 rushing yards in two games and 11 receptions for 105 yards with two TDs.
Philip Rivers has improved his odds to win the NFL comeback player of the year award, now at 5-1, despite his unconventional comeback story, with Christian McCaffrey as the favorite. Rivers's chances are bolstered by his recent performance, but unless the Colts turn their season around, he may not secure the award, with Dak Prescott and Trevor Lawrence also in the running.
Aryna Sabalenka was named Player of the Year for the second consecutive time, dominating the season with multiple titles and a top ranking. Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend won Doubles Team of the Year, while Amanda Anisimova was recognized as Most Improved Player. Belinda Bencic made a notable comeback, earning the Comeback Player of the Year award, and Victoria Mboko was named Newcomer of the Year after a remarkable rise from outside the top 300 to top 20.
The debate over the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award is heating up, with controversy surrounding Sam Darnold's candidacy. Despite having a career-best season with the Minnesota Vikings, Darnold's eligibility is questioned due to the Associated Press's criteria, which emphasize overcoming illness or injury. Joe Burrow, who returned from an injury, is a leading candidate, while Darnold's supporters argue his resurgence from a marginal career should count. The AP's guidance leaves room for interpretation, making the upcoming vote contentious.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player for the second time, leading the league in touchdown passes and guiding the highest-scoring offense. The 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was announced, including Julius Peppers, Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Patrick Willis, Steve McMichael, and Randy Gradishar. Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco won NFL Comeback Player of the Year, while Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin made an emotional return to the field after suffering a cardiac arrest during a game in January 2023. Other award winners included CJ Stroud for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Myles Garrett for Defensive Player of the Year, Kevin Stefanski for Coach of the Year, and Cameron Heyward for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
Joe Flacco, the Cleveland Browns quarterback, won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, beating out Damar Hamlin despite receiving fewer first-place votes. Flacco's strong performance after being signed late in the season impressed voters, but his future with the Browns remains uncertain as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
The Cleveland Browns dominated the NFL Honors Show with four awards, including Coach of the Year for Kevin Stefanski and Defensive Player of the Year for Myles Garrett. Joe Flacco won Comeback Player of the Year despite only playing in five games, beating out Damar Hamlin who received more first-place votes. Flacco's comeback from the couch and a rough stint with the New York Jets earned him the award, with his 2023 stats including 60% passing, 13 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and 1,616 yards passing.
Browns quarterback Joe Flacco wins NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award, beating out Bills safety Damar Hamlin despite receiving fewer first-place votes. The award's definition is left to the 50 selectors, with Flacco's return from inactivity and strong performance as a starter cited as reasons for his win. Bucs' Baker Mayfield, Rams' Matthew Stafford, and Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa round out the top five vote-getters.
Joe Flacco, the Browns quarterback, was awarded the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year after leading the team to the playoffs, surprising many by beating out Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who returned to the field after suffering a heart attack during a game last season.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco has been named the 2023 Associated Press NFL Comeback Player of the Year after leading the team to a playoff berth with a late-season surge. Despite a season plagued by injuries, Flacco's performance earned him the honor, capping off a successful evening for the Browns at the NFL Honors. Flacco's late-career resurgence with the Browns included setting NFL records and leading the team to crucial victories, solidifying his place as the Comeback Player of the Year.
Joe Flacco, despite his own resurgent season, throws his support behind Damar Hamlin for NFL Comeback Player of the Year, citing Hamlin's mental and physical resilience after suffering cardiac arrest on the field. Flacco, who was signed by the Cleveland Browns in December, expressed gratitude for being a finalist alongside Baker Mayfield, Matthew Stafford, and Tua Tagovailoa, but acknowledged uncertainty about what he was coming back from compared to the other nominees.
Joe Flacco, a finalist for the NFL's comeback player of the year award, has endorsed Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin for the honor, acknowledging that he doesn't see himself as having a significant comeback story. While Flacco is a close betting favorite for the award, he believes Hamlin, who returned to the field after going into cardiac arrest last January, should be the clear choice. However, some voters may not consider Hamlin's limited playing time sufficient for the award, highlighting the lack of a clear definition for what constitutes a comeback in the NFL.
Jordy Nelson's NFL career was marked by a remarkable comeback from a torn ACL injury. After being deceived about the severity of his injury, Nelson embarked on a journey to return better than ever. He achieved his goal of winning the league's Comeback Player of the Year award in 2016, becoming the first Packers player to do so. Nelson's career also includes impressive statistics and memorable moments, such as scoring the Packers' first touchdown in their Super Bowl XLV victory.