Damar Hamlin thinks he deserved to secure NFL Comeback Player of The Year Award

Damar Hamlin’s journey back to the football field after suffering a cardiac arrest during the 2022 season was nothing short of miraculous. His determination to return to the game he loves was commendable, making him a symbol of inspiration for many. However, the safety found himself on the losing end of the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco took home the honor instead.

Hamlin even inked a new tattoo to honor the team’s medical heroes after the incident. He shared his initial disappointment at missing out on the award during a recent interview with Maggie and Perloff on their radio show.

“Yeah I heard about that. When I heard some people were in uproar, but you know, nah. I did at first, not gonna lie. I did a little bit just because, you know, I’m a competitor myself, you know, in any competition you put me in, I [want to] win”, Hamlin said via SI.com.

Nevertheless, Hamlin gracefully acknowledged Flacco’s win and expressed his belief in a higher plan.

“But, you know, I clapped for Joe as he went on stage and I clapped for him as he went off, you know, at this point in my life, you know, it’s truly God’s plan… God had a reason for him going out with it and, you know, I don’t want to discredit that any and I truly feel with my journey, my comeback, per se, it wasn’t the world, it wasn’t a worldly thing. It wasn’t something that you know a trophy can define.”

Why did Damar Hamlin not win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award?

Damar Hamlin received the most first-place votes for the Comeback Player of the Year award but fell short of clinching the accolade. The outcome left many questioning why Hamlin didn’t secure the prestigious title.

One key factor behind Hamlin’s loss was the NFL’s revamped award-scoring system. The new system doesn’t solely rely on the number of first-place votes. Instead, it takes into account a point-based scoring mechanism, which ultimately favored Flacco in this instance.

Nevertheless, Flacco himself acknowledged Hamlin’s deserving candidacy. The Browns quarterback openly praised Hamlin’s mental fortitude and perseverance. He lauded the significance of Hamlin’s journey, particularly in a position as demanding as safety, where mental resilience is paramount. While the Comeback Player of the Year award eluded him this time, the safety’s impact indeed transcends accolades.