NFL Comeback Player of the Year (4 Viewers)

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I could have set this up as a poll, but other than Drew Brees, Carson Palmer and Deuce McCallister - I can' think of anybody.

Some Bears fans are saying Rex Grossman has a shot at it, but don't you have to come back from SOMEWHERE?

Plus, Rex Grossman finished the season playing in a playoff game - whereas Palmer and Brees got seriously hurt in their last games - and Deuce was hurt...

Also of interest.... Brees has already won this award once:

2005 Tedy Bruschi, New England Patriots LB and Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers WR

2004 Drew Brees, San Diego Chargers QB

2003 Jon Kitna, Cincinnati Bengals QB

2002 Tommy Maddox, Pittsburgh Steelers QB

2001 Garrison Hearst, San Francisco 49ers RB

2000 Joe Johnson, New Orleans Saints DE

1999 Bryant Young, San Francisco 49ers DT

1998 Doug Flutie, Buffalo Bills QB

1997 Robert Brooks, Green Bay Packers WR

1996 Jerome Bettis, Pittsburgh Steelers RB

1995 Jim Harbaugh, Indianapolis Colts QB and Garrison Hearst, Arizona Cardinals RB

1994 Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins QB

1993 Marcus Allen, Kansas City Chiefs RB

1992 Randall Cunningham, Philadelphia Eagles QB

1991 Jim McMahon, Philadelphia Eagles QB

1990 Barry Word, Kansas City Chiefs RB

1989 Ottis Anderson, New York Giants RB

1988 Greg Bell, Los Angeles Rams RB

1987 Charles White, Los Angeles Rams RB

1986 Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers QB, and Tommy Kramer Minnesota Vikings QB

1985 No selection

1984 John Stallworth, Pittsburgh Steelers WR

1983 Billy Johnson, Atlanta Falcons WR/PR

1982 Lyle Alzado, Los Angeles Raiders DE

1981 Ken Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals QB

1980 Jim Plunkett, Oakland Raiders QB

1979 Larry Csonka, Miami Dolphins RB

1978 John Riggins, Washington Redskins RB

1977 Craig Morton, Denver Broncos QB

1976 Greg Landry, Detroit Lions QB

1975 Dave Hampton, Atlanta Falcons RB

1974 Joe Namath, New York Jets QB

1973 Roman Gabriel, Philadelphia Eagles QB

1972 Earl Morrall, Miami Dolphins QB

 

[Marc Levin]

Deuce.

TO.

Fred Taylor.

I think every one else comes after that - Brees and Palmer played complete seasons last year and I think that will remove them from the top of the list.

 

[BlueDredSo]

How about Travis Henry?

Does this award require that a player be injured the previous year? Seems to have become the unwritten law, which is pretty lame.

*Garrison Hearst won the award twice

Just because someone was injured at the end of the year - Palmer, Brees - doesn't necessarily make them a "comeback" player. Doctors can do anything these days. Give me a break. I look at players who either missed the entire season because of an injury or completely sucked, and then came back and had a great season. Brees and Palmer both did well last year.

Fred Taylor sure, why not? T.O.? What has he done this season that deserves rewarding? Other than not completely blowing up the Cowboys organization?

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Deuce.TO.Fred Taylor.I think every one else comes after that - Brees and Palmer played complete seasons last year and I think that will remove them from the top of the list.

Are you kidding me? Palmer had his knee reconstructed and has a cadaver's ligament now...He's come back from a helacious injury....and screw T.O. - the league and/or writers will never reward that putz.

 

[The Man With No Name]

Ahman Green should get some votes.

 

[Marc Levin]

Deuce.

TO.

Fred Taylor.

I think every one else comes after that - Brees and Palmer played complete seasons last year and I think that will remove them from the top of the list.

Are you kidding me? Palmer had his knee reconstructed and has a cadaver's ligament now...He's come back from a helacious injury.

...and screw T.O. - the league and/or writers will never reward that putz.

You are preaching to the choir.On Palmer, I understamnd what you are saying - but the other names came back from serious and significant injuries as well, and they missed last year's regular season. Palmer played 16 gam,es at a high level. I think what'll sink Brees is that he will be up for overall MVP and he also played most of the season.

Thanks to BlueDredSo for mentioning Henry - I knew there was one more RB who deserved mention.

IMO:

Deuce

Henry

Taylor

TO

Palmer

Brees

In that order.

 

[Marc Levin]

Ahman Green should get some votes.

Keep throwing them out - I keep forgetting themeuceHenryFred TaylorAhman GreenTOPalmerBreesIn that order.

 

[Marc Levin]

T.O.? What has he done this season that deserves rewarding?

72-971-9 after an injury last year.You are preaching to the choir that he doesn't deserve to be rewarded for anything, but he will probably garner some consideration for the award.

Just because someone was injured at the end of the year - Palmer, Brees - doesn't necessarily make them a "comeback" player.

Exactly.

 

[Weiner Dog]

Palmer's knee injury > Brees' shoulder injury???

Brees could not throw the ball five yards just six months ago...now he's challenging Marino's single-season passing yardage mark.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Drew Brees

 

[fsufan]

TO.

TO this award should go to someone that was injured or had a bad year. Not to someone that was basically firedF TO

 

[fsufan]

Drew Brees

didnt Bress play all of last year got hurt week 17

 

[RC94]

I don't think he will win nor should he win it, but Pennington will be in the discussion as well. Many thought that his career was over. I think McAllister will, and should, win it.

 

[jonessed]

Giving this award to players receiving season ending injuries at the end of a great season to come back and have another great season seems odd. It really changes the meaning of the award. I always felt it was supposed to go to someone who had a down year due to injury, slump. team, whatever who comes back and performs great. If Brees and Palmer are eligible you might as well give the award to Dr. Andrews.

 

[SpaceCowboy]

Going with the injury bit, you could also add Javon Walker to the list. Will not get it, but could add it.

Joey Harrington is in the "Rex Grossman" category. Never did anything before, nothing to really come back from.

Incidentally, they already have awarded the 2007 award to Donovan McNabb.

 

[Chase Stuart]

You guys have short memories. Tedy Bruschi won the award last year, after making the f'n Pro Bowl in 2004.

Drew Brees has this award locked up.

 

[jchapman70]

I also think you could throw in:

Ladell Betts

Chester Taylor

 

[ExtraPoint]

You guys have short memories. Tedy Bruschi won the award last year, after making the f'n Pro Bowl in 2004.Drew Brees has this award locked up.

I dont think Brees was ever told that he'd never play football again. If Bruschi had torn a ligament, do you honestly think he would have won the award?Brees will be in the running, but a lot of people wont consider him.

 

[Limp Ditka]

T.O.? What has he done this season that deserves rewarding?

72-971-9 after an injury last year.You are preaching to the choir that he doesn't deserve to be rewarded for anything, but he will probably garner some consideration for the award.

Just because someone was injured at the end of the year - Palmer, Brees - doesn't necessarily make them a "comeback" player.

Exactly.

Can you please inform me of what TO's injury was last year?

 

[Chase Stuart]

You guys have short memories. Tedy Bruschi won the award last year, after making the f'n Pro Bowl in 2004.Drew Brees has this award locked up.

I dont think Brees was ever told that he'd never play football again. If Bruschi had torn a ligament, do you honestly think he would have won the award?Brees will be in the running, but a lot of people wont consider him.

Yeah but Brees' play in 06 >>>>> Bruschi's play in 05.It won't matter that Brees played all of last year.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

You guys have short memories. Tedy Bruschi won the award last year, after making the f'n Pro Bowl in 2004.Drew Brees has this award locked up.

I don't disagree that Brees will win, but he played the entire season last year and was injured in the last game. He played every game this season as well, unlike Bruschi who missed half a season last year. Just seems like a strange definition of "comeback player" to me if the player was never really gone.

 

[Chase Stuart]

You guys have short memories. Tedy Bruschi won the award last year, after making the f'n Pro Bowl in 2004.Drew Brees has this award locked up.

I don't disagree that Brees will win, but he played the entire season last year and was injured in the last game. He played every game this season as well, unlike Bruschi who missed half a season last year. Just seems like a strange definition of "comeback player" to me if the player was never really gone.

I sorta agree.I definitely expect Brees to win it. I think he probably should too, because he did come back from severe surgery. Whether that surgery was in January or October, he still had to come back from it.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

T.O.? What has he done this season that deserves rewarding?

72-971-9 after an injury last year.

TO wasn't injured. He was suspended by his team for being a t00l.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

also, Javon Walker deserves consideration

 

[NYCGangGreen]

How can you give a Comeback Player of the year award to a guy that had a good year the season prior. Regardless of the injuries Palmer and Brees should not even be considered.

Comeback to me signifies guys like :

Grossman

Fred Taylor

T.O.

they barely played the year before and had very disappointing seasons

but they came back this season and were:

A: productive

B: important part of the team

Grossman had to comeback from back to back years of injury

Taylor came back off a surgery people expected to end his career

And T.O. came back from, well being T.O.

Brees and Palmer both had outstanding years last year....they just recovered from an injury.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

also, Javon Walker deserves consideration

Excellent call! I forgot all about him and had him in my keeper league the past five years. D'oh!

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

How can you give a Comeback Player of the year award to a guy that had a good year the season prior. Regardless of the injuries Palmer and Brees should not even be considered.Comeback to me signifies guys like :GrossmanFred TaylorT.O.they barely played the year before and had very disappointing seasons but they came back this season and were:A: productiveB: important part of the teamGrossman had to comeback from back to back years of injuryTaylor came back off a surgery people expected to end his careerAnd T.O. came back from, well being T.O.Brees and Palmer both had outstanding years last year....they just recovered from an injury.

Grossman had back (finger) to back (knee) to back (ankle) injuries. I'm a die hard Bears fan - and he doesn't even warrant a sniff at this award. He never ACHIEVED anything prior to the injuries - that's what I view as the main problem - and he finished last season healthy.

 

[thayman]

i like Ahman Green, or Joey Harrington

 

[prosopis]

Ahman Green should get some votes.

That was the first name that came to mind.

 

[simsarge]

You guys have short memories. Tedy Bruschi won the award last year, after making the f'n Pro Bowl in 2004.Drew Brees has this award locked up.

I don't disagree that Brees will win, but he played the entire season last year and was injured in the last game. He played every game this season as well, unlike Bruschi who missed half a season last year. Just seems like a strange definition of "comeback player" to me if the player was never really gone.

Agree totally. If they had a Fast Healer award, then he'd be my vote for that. As opposed to say Culpepper.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

How can you give a Comeback Player of the year award to a guy that had a good year the season prior. Regardless of the injuries Palmer and Brees should not even be considered.Comeback to me signifies guys like :GrossmanFred TaylorT.O.they barely played the year before and had very disappointing seasons but they came back this season and were:A: productiveB: important part of the teamGrossman had to comeback from back to back years of injuryTaylor came back off a surgery people expected to end his careerAnd T.O. came back from, well being T.O.Brees and Palmer both had outstanding years last year....they just recovered from an injury.

Grossman had back (finger) to back (knee) to back (ankle) injuries. I'm a die hard Bears fan - and he doesn't even warrant a sniff at this award. He never ACHIEVED anything prior to the injuries - that's what I view as the main problem - and he finished last season healthy.

Seems you keep changing the scope.What exactly are they coming back from? Injury or a bad season? You can't say Rex doesn't deserve it because its not based on injury but performance, but then use the reverse logic for TO.By the way, TO was sick....... My opinion = Brees easily. The fact that his injury was later (giving him less time to recover) AND it was his throwing shoulder makes this a no brainer. Toss in that he had to go through free agency and is with a new team throwing #s comparable to Marino. MVP also.

 

[majstro]

If he wasn't such a jerk, Kellen Winslow would get more consideration. After everything that he has been through, to put up 71 catches, 694 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games for the Browns is a very good season.

 

[rockbottom895]

IMO, this isnt even up for debate. Deuce is far and away the comeback player of the year. Although Brees is playing like a champion, he played an entire season last year. He wont win the award. Palmer played the entire season as well, so I think he is nixed also. Deuce, who has been tearing defenses up (mainly cause of that guy named Reggie), deserves the award without question.

 

[Wooderson]

What happend in 1985? Just didn't have an award? I find it hard to believe they couldn't find anyone to give the award to?????

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

IMO, this isnt even up for debate. Deuce is far and away the comeback player of the year. Although Brees is playing like a champion, he played an entire season last year. He wont win the award. Palmer played the entire season as well, so I think he is nixed also. Deuce, who has been tearing defenses up (mainly cause of that guy named Reggie), deserves the award without question.

why do you think Deuce is so much more deserving than Javon Walker?Javon Walker 2005: 4 rec, 27 yardsJavon Walker 2006: 57 rec, 923 yards, 6 TD plus 6 rushes for 120 yards and a TD.Deuce McAllister 2005: 93 rushes for 335 yards and 3 TDs, 17 rec for 117 yardsDeuce McAllister 2006: 202 rushes for 901 yards and 8 TDs, 27 rec for 164 yardsboth came back from an ACL injury. If Deuce couldn't play, the Saints would still have Reggie Bush/Aaron Stecker/Michael Bennett plus the league's best passing attack.Walker has been the best weapon for the Broncos this year and their most important offensive player, IMO.

 

[Chase Stuart]

IMO, this isnt even up for debate. Deuce is far and away the comeback player of the year. Although Brees is playing like a champion, he played an entire season last year. He wont win the award. Palmer played the entire season as well, so I think he is nixed also. Deuce, who has been tearing defenses up (mainly cause of that guy named Reggie), deserves the award without question.

why do you think Deuce is so much more deserving than Javon Walker?Javon Walker 2005: 4 rec, 27 yardsJavon Walker 2006: 57 rec, 923 yards, 6 TD plus 6 rushes for 120 yards and a TD.Deuce McAllister 2005: 93 rushes for 335 yards and 3 TDs, 17 rec for 117 yardsDeuce McAllister 2006: 202 rushes for 901 yards and 8 TDs, 27 rec for 164 yardsboth came back from an ACL injury. If Deuce couldn't play, the Saints would still have Reggie Bush/Aaron Stecker/Michael Bennett plus the league's best passing attack.Walker has been the best weapon for the Broncos this year and their most important offensive player, IMO.

Walker has also had to deal with absolutely pitiful QB play.

 

[Chase Stuart]

The table shows each team's leading receiver, and it's sorted by percentage of team receiving yards. It's not Javon Walker's fault his team can't throw the ball, but he's been one of the most valuable WRs in the league this year.

43.19%	BUF	Evans,Lee39.87%	HOU	Johnson,Andre39.70%	DEN	Walker,Javon36.38%	CIN	Johnson,Chad35.17%	NYJ	Coles,Laveranues34.84%	SEA	Jackson,Darrell34.82%	TB	Galloway,Joey34.44%	GB	Driver,Donald33.93%	CAR	Smith,Steve32.03%	DET	Williams,Roy31.32%	ARI	Boldin,Anquan31.12%	IND	Wayne,Reggie30.79%	STL	Holt,Torry30.59%	SF	Bryant,Antonio29.38%	TEN	Bennett,Drew29.19%	DAL	Owens,Terrell28.24%	NYG	Burress,Plaxico27.93%	CLE	Edwards,Braylon27.87%	CHI	Muhammad,Muhsin27.01%	BAL	Clayton,Mark24.93%	KC	Kennison,Eddie24.48%	OAK	Moss,Randy24.43%	WAS	Moss,Santana23.31%	PIT	Ward,Hines22.74%	NO	Colston,Marques22.59%	MIA	Booker,Marty20.44%	PHI	Brown,Reggie20.04%	SD	Parker,Eric19.81%	NE	Caldwell,Reche19.69%	JAX	Jones,Matt18.22%	ATL	Lelie,Ashley17.76%	MIN	Taylor,Travis

 

[ZzZ]

Ahman Green should get some votes.

That was the first name that came to mind.

Agree, it's got to be Ahman. Coming back from the hammy injury injury from hell ("he'll never play again") to be in the top 10 of RBs in the league is remarkable.Tried to get the love for Ahman going in a thread last week arguing he is the best value RB in FF this year, but got run over by the LT train.

 

[mad sweeney]

IMO, this isnt even up for debate. Deuce is far and away the comeback player of the year. Although Brees is playing like a champion, he played an entire season last year. He wont win the award. Palmer played the entire season as well, so I think he is nixed also. Deuce, who has been tearing defenses up (mainly cause of that guy named Reggie), deserves the award without question.

why do you think Deuce is so much more deserving than Javon Walker?Javon Walker 2005: 4 rec, 27 yardsJavon Walker 2006: 57 rec, 923 yards, 6 TD plus 6 rushes for 120 yards and a TD.Deuce McAllister 2005: 93 rushes for 335 yards and 3 TDs, 17 rec for 117 yardsDeuce McAllister 2006: 202 rushes for 901 yards and 8 TDs, 27 rec for 164 yardsboth came back from an ACL injury. If Deuce couldn't play, the Saints would still have Reggie Bush/Aaron Stecker/Michael Bennett plus the league's best passing attack.Walker has been the best weapon for the Broncos this year and their most important offensive player, IMO.

Walker has also had to deal with absolutely pitiful QB play.

While Deuce is doing it while splitting time. They've given it to two players before, I could easily see them share.

 

[ZzZ]

IMO, this isnt even up for debate. Deuce is far and away the comeback player of the year. Although Brees is playing like a champion, he played an entire season last year. He wont win the award. Palmer played the entire season as well, so I think he is nixed also. Deuce, who has been tearing defenses up (mainly cause of that guy named Reggie), deserves the award without question.

why do you think Deuce is so much more deserving than Javon Walker?Javon Walker 2005: 4 rec, 27 yards

Javon Walker 2006: 57 rec, 923 yards, 6 TD plus 6 rushes for 120 yards and a TD.

Deuce McAllister 2005: 93 rushes for 335 yards and 3 TDs, 17 rec for 117 yards

Deuce McAllister 2006: 202 rushes for 901 yards and 8 TDs, 27 rec for 164 yards

both came back from an ACL injury. If Deuce couldn't play, the Saints would still have Reggie Bush/Aaron Stecker/Michael Bennett plus the league's best passing attack.

Walker has been the best weapon for the Broncos this year and their most important offensive player, IMO.

Walker has also had to deal with absolutely pitiful QB play.

While Deuce is doing it while splitting time. They've given it to two players before, I could easily see them share.

AHMAN has only 34 less yards rushing, 2 less TDs but 106 more yards receiving than Deuce. Throw in that he has done it in 2 fewer games, I don't think Deuce should be a lock.

 

[bullitt]

Grossman had back (finger) to back (knee) to back (ankle) injuries. I'm a die hard Bears fan - and he doesn't even warrant a sniff at this award. He never ACHIEVED anything prior to the injuries - that's what I view as the main problem - and he finished last season healthy.

I agree 100% , Grossman had never acheived anything to come back from, he barely even played.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

He's not a household name, but Ken Hamlin (Safety for Seahawks) definately needs to be considered.

The dude was told he may never play football again after getting his head smashed in. His injury was WAY worse than other players by a large margin. Screwed up knees, bad ankles, etc. don't even come close to bleeding in your brain, almost dying and being told you will never play football again. Hamin was in criticial condition in intensive care with a fractured skull after getting hit with a street sign, a blood clot in his brain and bruising of the brain tissue. Sorry, but having your knee torn seems like nothing when compared to that. I find it way more amazing that Ken Hamlin came back from that ,than Carson Palmer coming back from a torn up knee.

Be that as it may, Hamlin won't win it due to not having a spectacular season and not being a household name.

 

[Lord Lucan]

So this award goes to a guy who misses time and then makes a huge impact on his return?

What about a guy who misses an important chunk of the season but then in his first two games back has nine solo tackles, four sacks and four forced fumbles?

Surely the NFL will recognise triumph over adversity in the shape of Shawne Merriman?

 

[Billy1x]

Pennington & A. Green come to mind.

Neither was ever supposed o play again.

Pennington gets the nod as he hasn't played well since the 1st injury a couple years ago and he totally redeveloped his throwing motion.

 

[trogg78]

could brett favre be in the discussion?

 

[Slum Lord]

Are you kidding me? Palmer had his knee reconstructed and has a cadaver's ligament now...He's come back from a helacious injury.

Dont you have to actually miss some games to be considered a COMEBACK???? See, thats the keyword here, c-o-m-e-b-a-c-k. Oh, maybe he cameback from the offseason? Thats about as dumb as the TO talk. TO wasnt hurt, he was suspended. What was he comming back from? A hurt ego? A torn ligament in his wallet?Actual deserving players: Ahman Green, Duece, maybe Pennington. No one ever, EVER, came back from the injury Ahman had and had a career. You tear your quad off the bone, the NFL draws up the retirement papers. If he finishes the year strong, he's got it locked up.

 

[Big Score]

Actual deserving players: Ahman Green, Duece, maybe Pennington. No one ever, EVER, came back from the injury Ahman had and had a career. You tear your quad off the bone, the NFL draws up the retirement papers. If he finishes the year strong, he's got it locked up.

:(

 

[Borat]

If he wasn't such a jerk, Kellen Winslow would get more consideration. After everything that he has been through, to put up 71 catches, 694 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games for the Browns is a very good season.

This is a good point. Plus he's coming off two straight injury-marred seasons.

 

[Pnishthm]

could brett favre be in the discussion?

I never even though of this. That's a pretty good call imo

 

[Marc Levin]

Can you please inform me of what TO's injury was last year?

The award is for coming back from adversity, not just injury.