Joe Flacco Challenges Comeback Player of the Year Award: Damar Hamlin’s Remarkable Journey Takes Center Stage”
Flacco recently expressed his belief on Twitter, in a conversation with Zach Gelb of CBS Sports, that he shouldn’t even be considered for the award.
"I'm just coming back from being old and not being on a team for a couple months."-@JoeFlacco
Joe Flacco says Damar Hamlin should win Comeback Player of the Year. @CBSSportsRadio @HamlinIsland pic.twitter.com/agmBivvBN5
— Zach Gelb (@ZachGelb) January 26, 2024
Competing for the title alongside quarterbacks Baker Mayfield, Matthew Stafford, and Tua Tagovailoa, as well as Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, Flacco went on to suggest that Hamlin deserves the honor more than he does, attributing his own resurgence simply to overcoming the challenges of aging.
Hamlin’s remarkable story in sports history makes him a standout candidate for the award, particularly due to his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening incident during a game against Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals in January of the previous year.
Experiencing sudden cardiac arrest during play, Hamlin’s heart momentarily stopped, but prompt CPR and medical attention saved his life. Less than a year later, he made a triumphant return to the league.
Even though Hamlin primarily contributes on special teams, the fact that he’s back playing in the NFL after such a harrowing experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
Contrary to Flacco’s assertion, Hamlin’s remarkable journey positions him as the clear frontrunner for the Comeback Player of the Year award, given that he has overcome far greater adversity than most of the other contenders, who are primarily dealing with injuries, age-related challenges, or poor performance.
