Real Crappers, it is time to assemble.
This edition of the toilet tribune focuses on the conversation that has dominated the NFL Awards Conversation. It sure feels Lamar Jackson will be MVP. Christian McCaffrey will be the OPOY. C.J. Stroud is Offensive Rookie of the Year. But who will be the comeback player of the year?
As of 1/10/2024, Covers.com had these odds.
Damar Hamlin is the favorite at -140
Joe Flacco is +100
There is a stark falloff with Baker Mayfield next at +1,200.
Now we all watched the Cleveland Browns get dismantled by C.J. Stroud's Texans in the Wild Card Round, but that does not take away from Flacco's remarkable story and year for the Browns. This is a regular season award, and who had the 38-year-old former Raven leading the Browns to a wild card spot on their 2023-24 NFL Season Bingo Card? Not I. But on that same bingo card, who had Damar Hamlin coming back from dying on a football field either? The case is there for both, so let's dive in.
Damar Hamlin's Case for Comeback Player of the Year
On January 2nd, 2023, Damar Hamlin collapsed and suffered a sudden cardiac arrest after tackling Tee Higgins to the ground during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin stated "I died on National TV in front of the world" in a press conference on April 18, 2023. But on that same day he was fully cleared to resume football activities. A story that is fairy tale, and all parties affected have been nationally recognized. Whether it is the Bills Medical Staff or Damar Hamlin himself, they have been awarded ESPYs and Hamlin won the George Halas Award in 2023.
According to Merriam Webster, a comeback by definition is: a return to a former position or condition (as of success or prosperity). Nobody has had a bigger comeback by definition than Hamlin. His return to his position of NFL Safety (no matter if he is a back-up or not) from death will never (hopefully) be matched and for that reason, it is hard to argue why Damar should not be the odds-on favorite.
Joe Flacco's Case for Comeback Player of the Year
According to Merriam Webster, a player is one that plays: such as a person who plays a game. Flacco has played in five games in comparison to Hamlin's two, and when you look into the value of each's position. Hamlin plays a back-up safety role. Joe Flacco played the most important position, and played it well. 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and a 4-1 record leading the Browns to the wild card.
Who is the NFL going to award Comeback Player of the Year?
It is no doubt that any other year, this is Flacco's award to lose. But when you factor in Hamlin's comeback story, it will be truly a discussion of what the NFL will value? The correct decision based on the true definition of comeback would be Damar Hamlin. It if was a morals decision it would be Hamlin too, I mean the man literally came back from death.
But the facts laid out and the true definition of playing would be Flacco. He has meant more to his team than Hamlin has on the field.
It is no doubt Hamlin has been a remarkable story, and is an inspiration for all. But the NFL has shown that moral decisions are not something they make. Deshaun Watson is one of the highest paid players in the NFL, Ray Rice is in the Baltimore Ravens ring of honor, the Saints were paying players bounties to hurt people... The list of controversies goes on and on. So who's to say the NFL will make the right decision?
All I know, this is the award I'm most excited to see who wins.
Until Next Time... Here's to You and Here's to Reading the Toilet Tribune While You Poo!
Check me out on Twitter @craines38, and Check out Raines Radio!
See Last Edition of the Toilet Tribune HERE
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