Why didn't Damar Hamlin win Comeback Player of the Year?

By Jason Bolton March 15, 2024 01:39

The NFL Honors event in Las Vegas, which took place during the Super Bowl week, announced the winners of various prestigious awards, including the Comeback Player of the Year. In a rather surprising turn of events, Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills, who had an inspiring comeback after suffering a life-threatening incident on the field, did not win the award. This article aims to delve into the reasons behind this unexpected outcome.

Damar Hamlin's Incredible Comeback

Damar Hamlin made headlines on January 2, 2023, when he collapsed on the field in Cincinnati due to a freak incident that caused his heart to stop. His life was saved by the remarkable work of the Bills' training and medical staff, following which he underwent months of arduous rehabilitation. Despite facing uncertainty about his career, he remarkably returned to the field, participating in training camp and the preseason before dressing for seven games, including the playoffs.

The Case for Damar Hamlin

Considering the adversity that Hamlin overcame and the remarkable journey of recovery and return to the field, many expected him to be a shoo-in for the Comeback Player of the Year award. His resilience, determination, and the significance of his comeback should have made him a strong contender for the honor.

Factors Influencing the Decision

The NFL Honors voting panel, comprised of 50 media members across various platforms, ultimately decided that Joe Flacco was the true "comeback" player of the year. Flacco's narrative of getting off the couch in the middle of November and aiding the Cleveland Browns in making it to the playoffs seemed to sway the voters. This decision has raised questions about the criteria used to determine the comeback player of the year and what exactly qualifies as a "comeback" in the NFL.

Role of Player Performance

One of the factors that may have influenced the decision is the level of on-field contribution. Despite Hamlin's inspiring return to the field, he had limited playing time due to being the fifth safety on the Bills' depth chart. This lack of significant on-field impact might have been a consideration for the voters, although it is arguable whether this should have been a deciding factor in a comeback player award.

Support from Peers

Notably, even Joe Flacco, the recipient of the award, expressed his belief that Damar Hamlin should have been the rightful winner. Flacco acknowledged the mental and emotional strength required for Hamlin's comeback and indicated that he himself did not feel deserving of the award ahead of Hamlin and other contenders.

Controversy Surrounding MVP Voting

The controversy surrounding Hamlin's snub was further compounded by the MVP ballot, where Josh Allen was ranked fifth despite strong performances throughout the season. This suggests a potential trend in the voting process where individual player performance, rather than the magnitude of their comeback, heavily influences the outcome of these awards.

Damar Hamlin's incredible journey of recovery and return to the field following a life-threatening incident was a story of resilience and determination. While the decision not to award him the Comeback Player of the Year remains a topic of debate, it has shed light on the subjective nature of such awards and the factors that come into play during the voting process. The outcome has sparked discussions on the criteria for determining comeback player awards and the need for a more comprehensive evaluation of the significance of a player's comeback in the NFL.

Damar Hamlin's remarkable story serves as a reminder of the human spirit's resilience and the challenges that athletes overcome to return to the field after adversity. While the Comeback Player of the Year award eluded him, his journey remains an inspiring testament to the power of determination and the unwavering spirit of athletes in the face of adversity.