- Flacco only played in six games for the Cleveland Browns during the season
- Hamlin returned to the playing field in 2023 but did not win NFL honors
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco was presented with the Comeback Player of the Year award by Damar Hamlin during the NFL Honors on Thursday.
The Buffalo Bills safety was thought to be a guarantee of taking home the award after he miraculously returned to the field following his on-field cardiac arrest against the Cincinnati Bengals last season.
But Flacco, who came off the bench to lead the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs, was the surprise winner Thursday night.
Hamlin received eight more first-place votes than Flacco, 21 to 13. However, Flacco made up the difference with voters with 26 second-place votes, compared to Hamlin’s seven.
The NFL scores votes on a 5-3-1 scale, giving Flacco the edge. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield finished third in Comeback Player of the Year voting.
After missing most of the 2023 season, Flacco won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Hamlin was long expected to win the award after suffering cardiac arrest on the field last year
A trio of quarterbacks also received first place honors: Tua Tagovailoa, Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy.
Flacco will be a free agent next month as the Browns’ signature starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson, returns to full health after shoulder surgery.
Hamlin is under contract with the Bills through next season.
Hamlin led all votes with 14 third-place votes, slightly higher than Mayfield’s 13.
Flacco had eight third-place votes.