NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award candidates

The NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award is given out annually to the player who overcomes the most adversity. Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus named his favorite for the award, along with three honorable mentions.

Top candidates for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award:

The Favorite: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

As Pro Football Focus points out, Dak Prescott was on a legendary pace in 2020. Unfortunately, his season was derailed by a devastating ankle injury in October. Prescott projects to return to form in 2021, and he has the tools to do so. Aside from his physical gifts, the former Mississippi State Bulldog plays with some of the most talented offensive players in the league. He has an embarrassment of riches on offense, with CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and Ezekiel Elliott joining him. Prescott has the ability to best his overall PFF grade 85.2 from last season, which would be wildly impressive coming off a career-threatening injury. His stature, ability and potential story make him an easy choice to be the favorite for the comeback player of the year award.

Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Following one of the greatest college football seasons of all time, former LSU Tigers quarterback, Joe Burrow, was drafted first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, his rookie season was cut short by a terrible ACL injury. Burrow’s leadership ability and poise have been lauded by his teammates, coaches and fans alike. He also gained a former teammate and friend this off-season, as the Bengals drafted wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase in the first round. Burrow’s connection with Chase, and his drive to succeed, means you can never count him out. No, not even after an injury that changes careers.  

Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers

If you rewind, Nick Bosa may have been the best player on the field in Super Bowl 54. He was disruptive, terrifying and amazing to watch. Alas, Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs on a comeback victory for the ages. Still, it was no fault of Bosa’s play. Fast forward to the 2020 NFL season, Bosa was unable to build on his impressive rookie season, as he suffered a torn ACL in Week 2. Now, the former Ohio State Buckeye is out to remind everyone that he’s one of the top pass rushers in the league. If he reaches his potential this season, comeback player of the year won’t be the only award he adds to his resume.  

Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers 

Throughout his NFL career, Derwin James has never gotten his due. Perhaps his draft night was an omen, as the ridiculously talented James fell to the 17th overall selection. Nevertheless, the Los Angeles Chargers thanked the heavens for the former Florida State Seminole falling to them. Since then, James has evolved into one of the league’s top defensive players. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued him the last two seasons. In 2019, James played in just five games due to a foot injury. Then, in 2020, a demoralizing torn meniscus cost him his season. It’s been almost two years since we’ve seen James play to his full potential. As he sets out to remind everyone of his greatness, it’s no wonder why Pro Football Focus believes he’s a contender for the comeback player of the year award.

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