The Buffalo Bills safety has had an incredible journey back to the field. From needing to be resuscitated, his return to play is unlike a story that is typically expected from someone who is in the running for the Comeback Player of the Year Award (CPOY). And while Joe Flacco appears to be making a late push, as quarterback of the Cleveland Browns, Flacco’s latest statements give NFL fans something different to consider.
Buffalo Bills Endorsement From Jets Quarterback
In any other year, what Joe Flacco is doing would be an automatic winner for CPOY, however, his opinion on the matter helps to provide a deeper insight.
What have I made a come back from, sitting on a couch?
And this point is really what illustrates why Damar Hamlin deserves the award this year.
The award is supposed to be reserved for someone who has overcome adversity from last season, and is able to then contribute at a “remarkable level”. So why are some so angry at the possibility of the honor going to someone who is not putting up league-leading stats?
For Hamlin, his state of being able to play at all, and the bravery that he has faced by even stepping on the field again in the NFL, embody what the spirit of the award is actually about. No one would have blamed him, had Hamlin decided to pursue other opportunities outside of playing football.
For him, it was about putting in the work, and enduring a strenuous rehab, in order to help his team achieve their goals.
Buffalo Bills Safety Focused On Team
Not wavering in the commitment to his team, earlier in the season, when Hamlin first returned to play he said the following to reporters:
I knew it would come someday. It was all about just staying ready and just being ready to do my part. That’s been my goal since I became a Bill.
What makes his improbable path back inspiring is how focused and eager he is to continue to make a difference on the field for his team.
For those that say that he is not playing enough, or doesn’t have the stats to warrant a national award. His impact on this Buffalo Bills team is immeasurable. This is not an NFL team that would use up a roster spot just for publicity, or ratings.
The Buffalo Bills see the intangible value he adds, inspiring teammates, and know that he has worked himself back into a position to make a play if called upon during the game as well.
Buffalo Bills Coach Sharing Thoughts On Hamlin’s Return
Coach Sean McDermott put it into perceptive earlier:
I love the fact that he makes it about the team in so many ways. What, nine months ago, this young man is in a situation he was in, and now he’s back.
Hamlin being recognized is a celebration of nearly losing much more than football. Persevering, and establishing a role on a team, despite having faced the prospect of never being able to walk again at one point.
And while the award would be a well-deserved recognition, for Hamlin, the only award that matters at the end is the continued goal of chasing the first Lombardi.
