Minnesota Vikings fans have expressed their displeasure with disapproval comments on X (Formerly called Twitter) with the Associated Press’s (AP) recent announcement that quarterback Sam Darnold is a finalist for the AP Comeback Player of the Year award.
The choice of Darnold being a finalist for AP Comeback Player of the Year has sparked heated debate among Vikings fans and NFL analysts. Even though the Vikings quarterback had an incredible season, this new announcement has been a lightning rod for opinions.
Sam Darnold Vikings QB has been named a finalist for AP Comeback Player of the Year.

Even though Darnold came into the season with the best career, from helping the Vikings achieve a franchise-best 14-3 record to throwing for over 4,000 yards and recording one of the best touchdown-to-interception ratios in the league.
Even displaying a remarkable skill of stepping up in high-pressure moments, which was pivotal in the Vikings’ historic run, did not stop many fans from feeling that Darnold’s contributions don’t match the profiles of other finalists like Damar Hamlin or Joe Burrow on the AP final list player of the year.
Critics argue that Darnold’s comeback story lacks the same emotional resonance or narrative weight compared to other nominees.
Undeserved
— JJ McCarthy’s Gyat (@MccarthysGyat) January 23, 2025
Pls trade
— kenny 💫 (@KennyOwnedYou) January 23, 2025
Minnesota Vikings Fan Reactions to Sam Darnold named a finalist for AP Comeback Player of the Year.
The recent news about Darnold making the finalists list has been met with both criticism and support among the Vikings’ fans. On different social media forums, there’s been debate ranging from strong support for the decision to strong opposition.
The phrase “Horrible decision” is a trending opinion among fans who think the nomination discredits others’ hard work.
Horrible decision
— JJ McCarthy’s Gyat (@MccarthysGyat) January 23, 2025
If he doesn’t win it then I just don’t know what to tell you
— GlockAndRoll (@RedWhiteTrue12) January 23, 2025
Darnold’s supporters are pointing to his large role in the Vikings’ success, stating that his performance this season deserves recognition. While at the other end, Skeptics, however, wonder whether his season truly was a “comeback” or merely a byproduct of a good team.
That said, as many have debated this, this year’s NFL Honors definitely have more intrigue thanks to Darnold’s nomination.
AP Comeback Player of the Year Finalists
- Joe Burrow, Bengals
- Sam Darnold, Vikings
- J.K. Dobbins, Chargers
- Christian Gonzalez, Patriots
- Damar Hamlin, Bills
What to Expect From The Minnesota Vikings This Season.

Coming this February 6, the Vikings League has much to celebrate and look forward to.
The nominations for Kevin O’Connell, Brian Flores and Sam Darnold speak to both the team’s incredible season and the individual pieces that helped it come together.
Winners will be revealed during the NFL Honors show from the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. With the eyes of the league on the Vikings, fans will be tuning in to see if their team’s grind is rewarded on the national stage.
For More Great Football Content?
For more information on the Vikings’ future, including their 2025 opponents and draft picks, visit the official team website @GridironHeroics. Stay tuned as the NFL Honors unfold and the debate around Sam Darnold’s nomination continues to captivate fans on my page @PreciousDa82940.