The end of the NFL season is soon approaching, with four teams remaining in the playoffs: the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders.
As the season rounds out, NFL awards have been promoted all over social media. On Thursday, the NFL’s official social media page revealed the finalists for each official award.
When announcing the finalists for the Comeback Player of the Year, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was featured on the prestigious list.
Darnold was joined by Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Los Angeles Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins, New England Patriots QB Christian Gonzalez and Buffalo Bills S Damar Hamlin.
Darnold signed with the Vikings ahead of the 2024 season, inking a one-year, $10 million contract with the NFC North squad.
Before joining the Vikings, Darnold played three years for the New York Jets, two years for the Carolina Panthers and one with the San Francisco 49ers.
Minnesota drafted QB J.J. McCarthy out of Michigan with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But the rookie suffered a season-ending injury in training camp, leaving Darnold with no competition for the starting job. The veteran took advantage of the opportunity, passing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record.
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Unlike a few other candidates for the Comeback Player of the Year, such as Dobbins, who returned from an Achilles injury, Darnold hadn’t suffered a major injury that put him in line to win the award.
The award is best described as a player who demonstrated resilience and overcame adversity, and it seems Darnold’s breakout season with the Vikings has placed him in that category.
