Sam Darnold had the best season of his career in 2024, throwing for 4,319 and 35 touchdowns while leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-3 record. Speculation continues to swirl as to whether the Vikings will bring him back in 2025 or if they will move on to 2024 rookie J.J. McCarthy.
But Darnold’s performance made him eligible for NFL Comeback Player Of the Year award on Thursday night. Although there was much debate as to his candidacy, the Associated Press said they wouldn’t throw away a vote with Darnold’s name on it.
Although he received many votes, Darnold didn’t win the award. Joe Burrow won the award after returning from a season-ending wrist injury in 2023 to throw 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns, almost dragging the Cincinnati Bengals to the playoffs.
Voting for the award came on a 10-5-3-2-1 scale, with first-place votes receiving ten points, second-place receiving five points, etc. Darnold finished with 102 points, behind Burrow (370) and Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (195).
But Darnold did finish with the second-most first-place votes, receiving eight. Besides Burrow, no one else received more than three. It makes sense, as Darnold didn’t overcome a physical ailment. But he did deserve recognition for his improved play and ability to help the Vikings return to the playoffs.
