The guidelines for selecting the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award have been updated by the Associated Press. The criteria now focus on honoring a player who has shown resilience in overcoming adversity such as illness, physical injury, or other circumstances that caused them to miss playing time in the previous season.
This change comes after controversy surrounding the 2023 award, where Joe Flacco was selected over Damar Hamlin. Flacco, who had been a backup for several years, was called into action and performed exceptionally well for the Cleveland Browns. On the other hand, Hamlin had suffered cardiac arrest on the field but managed to make a remarkable comeback and play in several games for the Buffalo Bills.
Many felt that Hamlin’s story was more deserving of the award, as he had overcome a life-threatening situation to return to the field. The new guidelines are expected to prevent such controversies in the future and ensure that players who have truly made significant comebacks are recognized.
It will be interesting to see how these changes impact future votes for the Comeback Player of the Year award. Fans and players alike will be eager to see who will be honored next February at the NFL Honors show. The revised criteria aim to highlight the most inspiring and impressive comebacks in the league, giving recognition to those who have overcome tremendous challenges to return to the field and excel in their sport.