theScore's NFL Awards Roundtable: Comeback Player of the Year
The NFL Honors will be handed out on Feb. 4, but theScore's NFL Editors are making a case for the players whom they feel deserve to take home the hardware this season.
theScore's NFL Awards
- Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Defensive Rookie of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Comeback Player of the Year
- Offensive Player of the Year
- Defensive Player of the Year
- Most Valuable Player
Comeback Player of the Year
Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers
97 receptions, 1,257 yards, 14 TDs
The Nelson from prior to his ACL tear in the 2015 preseason never truly came back, but that doesn't mean the wideout isn't worthy of being named Comeback Player of the Year. On the contrary, the way he has adapted his game to overcome his lost athleticism encapsulates the spirit of the award. Nelson can no longer get the separation deep or make the spectacular sideline catches he once could, so he shifted seamlessly into a role as a possession receiver and instantly became one of the NFL's best at it, leading the league with 14 touchdown catches. - Jack Browne
In a close race for Comeback Player of the Year honors, Nelson's 503 yards receiving and five touchdowns from the beginning of December to season's end seal it for Nelson. - David P. Woods
Nelson recaptured his elite level of production this season by leading a high-powered Green Bay offense in all major receiving categories. A wideout immediately bouncing back from a major knee injury at age 31 is particularly impressive. - Dan Wilkins
Nelson missed the entire 2015 season due to a torn ACL, and responded with a vengeance. Re-establishing himself as Aaron Rodgers' favorite target, he caught 97 passes for 1,257 yards and a league-best 14 receiving touchdowns, reminding defenders across the league why he's one of the most dangerous players in the open field. Welcome back, Jordy. - Arun Srinivasan
DeMarco Murray revitalized his career in Tennessee after it looked like the end was near during an incredibly disappointing year with the Eagles, but this honor normally goes to a player who overcame something other than poor performance. While it would be humorous to see Murray accept an award he has already said he doesn't want, Nelson is a near lock to receive the honor after returning from injury to post another dominant statistical season. - Justin Boone
Le'Veon Bell, RB, Steelers
1,268 rushing yards, 7 TDs
75 receptions, 616 receiving yards, 2 TDs
Bell returned in 2016 and immediately proved he was in tip-top form with a 144-yard rushing day (8 yards per carry) in his first game. The Steelers star finished the year fifth in the league in rushing, despite missing the first three games due to suspension. It's hard to compile 1,268 rushing yards in 12 games, especially after suffering a torn MCL. - Michael McClymont
Dennis Pitta, TE, Ravens
86 receptions, 729 yards, 2 TDs
Once known as Joe Flacco's safety blanket, Pitta's career appeared to be over after doctors told him it wasn't safe to continue playing with his injured hip, causing the veteran to sit out the 2015 season. He hit a snag in his comeback attempt in the summer when a training camp fight left his finger injured, and some believed he didn't have a shot at contributing without a full camp. Pitta proved all the doubters wrong, leading his team in receptions with 86 grabs and notching 729 yards - both career bests. Few players come back from supposedly career-ending injuries, even less have their best seasons in the process. - Mitch Sanderson
theScore's NFL Awards