LATEST REPORT: Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin weighs in on reactions to not winning Comeback Player of the Year
Nine months following a terrifying cardiac incident on the field, Damar Hamlin, the safety for the Buffalo Bills, returned to play and secured second place in the NFL Comeback Player of the Year voting. Reflecting on this outcome during an April 19 radio interview, Hamlin acknowledged hearing about some dissatisfaction.
“I heard there was quite a stir,” Hamlin noted regarding his runner-up position in the Comeback Player of the Year vote, despite his remarkable recovery from an on-field cardiac event. The honor went to quarterback Joe Flacco, who made a notable comeback himself by leading the Cleveland Browns to a successful 4-1 streak after coming off the bench.
Expressing his competitive nature, Hamlin admitted, “I did feel like I deserved the award to some extent because, you know, I’m a competitor. In any competition, I strive to win.” He shared these sentiments during his appearance on the Maggie and Perloff Show on April 19.
"I did at first, I ain't gonna lie, I did… I'm a competitor myself. In any competition you put me in, I would win."
Damar Hamlin when asked if he felt he deserved the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.
"My comeback…wasn't something that a trophy can define." pic.twitter.com/BpO5MqMyVN
— Maggie and Perloff (@MaggieandPerl) April 19, 2024
Nine months after the traumatic incident on Monday Night Football, Hamlin exhibited remarkable strength both physically and mentally to return to NFL action. Making his season debut in a Week 4 victory against the Miami Dolphins, he went on to play 111 regular season snaps and an additional 44 in the playoffs.
Despite narrowly missing out on the award, Hamlin harbors no resentment towards Flacco, graciously applauding him during the ceremony. Drafted in 2021 as a sixth-round pick, the 26-year-old remains appreciative of his journey, recognizing its significance beyond worldly accolades.
“My recovery goes beyond what a trophy can represent,” Hamlin remarked. “While winning would have been satisfying, I view my journey as more of a spiritual endeavor than a pursuit of recognition.”