Getty Image / Perry Knotts
As soon as it became clear that Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin was going to survive the cardiac arrest he suffered on Monday Night Football on January 2nd in Cincinnati last year, he was an overwhelming favorite for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
After all, how could a player who more or less died last year before courageous medical personnel saved his life not win the award? What comeback could possibly be bigger than being at death’s doorstep and returning to play?
Well, NFL award voters apparently thought that Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco, who came off his couch midseason to lead the Browns to the playoffs, deserved the award more.
A close vote for Comeback Player of the Year, won by Joe Flacco:
Voting for AP Comeback Player of the Year (5-3-1 scoring):
Joe Flacco, Cleveland, 13-26-8=151
Damar Hamlin, Buffalo, 21-7-14=140
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay, 10-10-13=93— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 9, 2024
All due respect to Joe Flacco, who would be a shoo-in to win the award in nearly every other year. But, Damar Hamlin should have won this award, and it shouldn’t have been much of a debate.
Yes, Damar Hamlin only played in five games this year, with only two tackles. But, again, his heart stopped on the field in an NFL game. Less than a year later, he was returning to play. That is the most surefire Comeback Player of the Year award winner ever, and NFL voters threw it away.
I understand Damar Hamlin didn’t fill up the stat sheet this year, but the guy literally came back from dying in front of the whole world and played football again. If that isn’t the ultimate comeback, I don’t know what is.
— Kevin Siracuse (@kevin_siracuse) February 9, 2024
I guarantee in twenty years, we will look back on this with total bewilderment.