Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco was one of the best stories in the 2023 NFL season. After spending most of the year on the couch, Flacco stepped in to lead the Cleveland Browns to four straight regular-season wins as a starter and helped them clinch a spot in the playoffs.
Considering his unlikely return, Flacco has been one of the favorites to receive this season’s NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. But the 39-year-old player believes there is someone else a lot more deserving of the award.
Speaking on Zach Gelb Show, Flacco campaigned for his Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin to receive Comeback POY honors. Hamlin returned to the field in 2023 following a cardiac arrest last season.
“I just think mentally to get yourself back to the point where you feel comfortable doing that kind of thing, obviously the physical part doesn’t need any explanation, but the mental part, especially at his position, is pretty cool,” Flacco said.
Even if he doesn’t think he should win the award, Flacco added that he is honored to be the finalist while poking a bit of fun at himself.
“Anytime you’re getting recognized in this league for playing well, it’s flattering. It’s a cool group to be a part of, that’s for sure,” he said. “I’m just coming back from being old and not being on a team for a couple months.”
Hamlin is the favorite for the award, with Flacco being given second-best odds. The list also includes Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams), and Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins).
