With ZERO disrespect to Joe Flacco — who deserves kudos for what he did for the Cleveland Browns this season at age 38 after years of mediocrity — it’s absolutely stunning that Damar Hamlin didn’t win NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
It doesn’t matter one iota that he played in just five games in 2023 and registered two tackles. We are talking about a player who collapsed on the field last year, suffered cardiac arrest and who had his life saved … and then he came back to play football again.
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Doesn’t that deserve the award, without a doubt? That was the reaction from many NFL fans:
I'm stunned that Damar Hamlin didn't win Comeback Player of the Year.
Joe Flacco turned into a tremendous story, so much fun to watch.
But Hamlin literally died on the field last season yet played another NFL game less than a year later. Biggest comeback anyone can ever make.
— Brent Sobleski (@brentsobleski) February 9, 2024
In the NFL, apparently you can die on the football field.
Comeback the following year and play!
And not win the Comeback Player of the Year Award.
Insanity.
The freaking award should be named after Damar Hamlin!
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) February 9, 2024
Joe Flacco won NFL Comeback Player of the Year over a guy who literally died during game on a football field during an NFL game and came back to play in the NFL again. Make that make got damn sense. One of the most embarrassing moments in NFL history. #DamarHamlin
— Kenny BooYah! 🖖🏾 (@KwikWarren) February 9, 2024
Joe Flacco comeback player of the year over Damar Hamlin????? More drug testing for the judges.
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) February 9, 2024
I spent this morning w/ Damar Hamlin, watching him surprise & meet with kids he's inspired.
He met one kid who got a kidney donated from a Bills fan. Another was treated in the same hospital as Damar.
Award aside, his comeback meant so much to them. More: https://t.co/nG33QLEJ6r https://t.co/NFl4AK80q2— katherine fitzgerald (@kfitz134) February 9, 2024
Joe Flacco's story was a nice one for sure BUT, how does Damar Hamlin NOT get "Comeback player of the year" award?
He very nearly died on the field…and made it all the way back
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) February 9, 2024
I’m sorry. How does Damar Hamlin lose Comeback Player of the Year? He almost died playing football. Joe Flacco returned from being old and unwanted. Hamlin’s tale is the best comeback story in NFL History. What a disgrace.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) February 9, 2024
“Imma let you finish but Damar Hamlin had one of the best comebacks of all time” https://t.co/egywdkQxrL pic.twitter.com/ncdgLQW7bS
— Danny Heifetz (@Danny_Heifetz) February 9, 2024