NFL fans react harshly to Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco winning the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year.
During Thursday night’s NFL Honors program, Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco received the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. The 38-year-old did not sign with any team after becoming a free agent at the end of the 2022 season. Despite numerous teams needing quarterbacks throughout the 2023 season, Flacco did not receive a call until later in the season.
The Browns signed Flacco and were immediately rewarded for taking a chance on him. Flacco led Cleveland to a 4-1 record in the final five games of the season, securing a position in the AFC playoffs. He completed 60.3% of his passes, totaling 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Flacco was not the popular choice to win the honor, nor did he garner the most first-place votes. That award went to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who fell and lay motionless on the field for several minutes against the Cincinnati Bengals last season.
Hamlin returned to the field this season, but was frequently a healthy scratch in Bills games. Nonetheless, he managed to play 111 defensive snaps, which is quite an accomplishment for someone who was practically dead for a few minutes last year.
Hamlin’s story was so extraordinary that many NFL fans believe he should have received the trophy instead.
NFL Fans Believe Damar Hamlin Should Have Won Comeback Player of the Year Instead of Joe Flacco
While Flacco had a fun story about going from the sofa and playing with his kids to leading the Browns to the playoffs, Hamlin’s story is likely more motivating and deserved of the Comeback Player of the Year award.
At least, it is what supporters from many fanbases said on social media when the announcement was announced.
While no one denies how remarkable Flacco’s run was, it is difficult to argue that it was more deserving of the trophy than a guy physically rising from the dead.
