After a long and arduous journey, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has finally begun to fulfill the immense potential he once showcased at USC. At 27 years old, Darnold has been lighting up the field with 11 touchdowns and only four interceptions, propelling the Vikings to a flawless 5-0 start to the season. His stellar performance has earned him the distinction of ranking second in the league in passing touchdowns, sixth in passer rating, and first in the percentage of pass attempts resulting in touchdowns.
However, just as Darnold seemed destined for a remarkable comeback, a shocking revelation emerged on Friday morning. Rob Maaddi of the AP took to social media to disclose a critical piece of information that could potentially derail Darnold’s chances of winning the coveted NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. According to Maaddi, the new rules governing the award stipulate that Darnold is ineligible due to not meeting the criteria outlined by the AP.
“Sam Darnold probably would’ve been a candidate for the Comeback Player of the Year award before the AP issued guidance to voters before the season,” Maaddi lamented. The guidance, as Maaddi pointed out, emphasizes the importance of honoring players who have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, specifically overcoming illness, physical injury, or other circumstances that led them to miss playing time in the previous season.
The controversy surrounding the award dates back to 2023 when Joe Flacco, quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, was crowned the winner following a spectacular five-game stretch. Flacco’s triumph came at the expense of Damar Hamlin, a safety for the Buffalo Bills, who defied the odds by returning to the field after suffering cardiac arrest in January.
Despite this setback, all hope is not lost for Darnold. As Maaddi astutely pointed out, if he continues to perform at his current elite level, Darnold could potentially shift his focus towards the MVP race. The NFL season is fraught with uncertainty and unpredictability, but one thing remains clear – Sam Darnold’s resurgence is a storyline worth following closely as it unfolds on the gridiron.
