Did Damar Hamlin Win Comeback Player of the Year?
No, Damar Hamlin did not win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. In 2023, the award was given to veteran safety Justin Simmons. This verified explainer clarifies the result, outlines what the award recognizes, and addresses why fans may have thought Hamlin won.
What Is the Comeback Player of the Year Award?
The NFL Comeback Player of the Year award is presented by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) to a player who demonstrates resilience and a significant performance resurgence after a challenging period. The period can include injury, loss of position, team changes, or other career disruptions. Voters consider statistical impact, leadership, and the narrative of overcoming adversity. It is distinct from league MVP and is specifically intended to highlight meaningful professional rebounds.
Key Aspects of the Award
- Eligibility: Any player in the league can be considered.
- Voting body: PFWA members who regularly cover NFL games.
- Timing: Announced in early voting results season, generally around or before Super Bowl week.
Who Won in 2023 and How Was the Decision Made
In 2023, Justin Simmons, a safety for the Denver Broncos, won the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year award. The narrative around Simmons centered on a career renaissance following shoulder injuries that had previously altered his role and outlook. His 2023 season featured strong coverage, impactful plays in the box, and renewed consistency. By contrast, while Damar Hamlin’s 2023 season was one of the most remarkable medical and performance stories in recent memory, the award criteria and voting outcome pointed to Simmons as the recipient.
2023 Candidates and Result Snapshot
| Candidate | Team | Context Noted by Voters | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Simmons | Denver Broncos | Overcame shoulder injuries to reclaim starting role and leadership | Winner |
| Damar Hamlin | Buffalo Bills | Returned to play after on-field cardiac event and medical emergency | Not selected |
Why the Confusion Around Hamlin and Comeback Recognition
Damar Hamlin’s 2023 season was undeniably extraordinary from a medical and human-interest perspective. After suffering a cardiac event on the field during a nationally televised game, he endured critical care, rehabilitation, and a carefully monitored return to form. Fans, media, and analysts frequently discussed his journey in terms of courage and an emotional comeback. However, the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award focuses on documented performance resurgence and professional impact, and in 2023, that distinction went to Justin Simmons. Hamlin was widely celebrated, but not with this particular award.
What Hamlin’s 2023 Season Did Achieve
Hamlin’s return was remarkable for its speed and symbolism. He met every medical benchmark set by his care team, communicated openly with teammates and fans, and showed flashes of his previous playmaking ability. Though he did not win Comeback Player of the Year, the broader recognition he received included fan support, media honors, and cultural influence far beyond traditional stat-tracking awards. His season is often studied in sports medicine and leadership programs as a case in balancing risk, recovery, and performance.
How to Interpret Comeback Player Awards Going Forward
When assessing future Comeback Player of the Year winners, consider three durable factors: consistency of production relative to past performance, the nature and duration of the setback, and the player’s influence on team success. A candidate may show dramatic statistical improvement, but voters also weigh whether the improvement represents a genuine return to prior form versus a new upward trajectory. Context matters, and the award tends to favor players who overcome injury or significant role change with measurable on-field impact.
Final Clarification
To be unequivocal: Damar Hamlin did not win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. The 2023 recipient was Justin Simmons. Hamlin’s extraordinary season provided a powerful narrative of resilience, but it did not meet the award’s voting outcome in 2023. This clarification helps separate widely shared storylines from the official record, supporting more durable understanding of NFL awards and the specific criteria behind comeback recognition.