The player named Comeback Player of the Year shows perseverance in overcoming adversity, in the form of not being in the NFL the previous year, a severe injury, or simply poor performance.

There’s an odd number of potential candidates this year, most of them for an odd variety of reasons. The main candidates I can think of are:

Vince Young, QB, Tennessee Titans: Many thought his career as a starter was done after his week 1 injury in 2008, and the psychological breakdown that followed. He’d be cemented as a bust, after a promising start, including winning Rookie of the Year. After getting the starting job after an 0-6 start, his team has gone 7-2, with him having his first 300 yard game and a 3 TD game and 6 games with a 90+ QB rating. He was helped plenty by the emergence of Chris Johnson, but that does not entirely diminish the comeback season he’s having.

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots: Many thought this reward was reserved for him as soon as he got injured in week 1 of last season, but he has had an oddly quiet year for a former MVP. However, he still has somewhat impressive numbers this year, over 90 QB rating over the year (unlike Young who only did it in some games), throwing “only” 29 touchdown passes, and leading his team to a AFC East title. It’s no 50 touchdown season, but most teams would be happy with that.

Brett Favre, QB, Minnasota Vikings: Man, this guy is easy to hate. The last thing you want is him to get another award over more deserving canidates, right? Well… he did have that torn bicep that limited him down the stretch, which also built up the mentality of the the unfortunate team who picks him up next year is going to have him collapse in December. And while the Vikings as a team have not gone undefeated in December, it’s far from Favre’s fault alone, as he’s yet to put up terrible numbers on the year, his “worst” game being the two touchdown two interception game against Arizona. With an over 100 QB rating on the year, and a 3+ to 1 TD:INT ratio, Brett’s been having one of his best years this year. Granted, with the help of an awesome defense and running back, but nobody’s taking away Peyton’s MVP for having an awesome offensive line.

Shawne Merriman, OLB, San Diego Chargers: A popular preseason pick, he has not produced much on the actual field. More of a formality saying his name, he’s been sidelined this year by foot and groin injuries, and does not have impressive stats. Not to say he’s just a dead body out there, his name and history seems to demand respect from the opposing offense, giving him double teams, which allows his teammates to get better pressure as well, such as Shaun Phillip’s league leading 7 forced fumbles. But a long shot as best for this award.

Of course, nobody would be a bigger long shot then..

Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles: Nobody in the league has gone through more adversity to return to the NFL. Granted, this adversity was pretty much all self caused, and the kind that many people will never forgive him for. Not to mention even before going to jail, he had a lot of critics, saying he could never really pass the ball well, he was all gimmick, no QB. Putting aside how you personally feel about is crimes, he’s come back from two years out of the league, is learning a new system and a new role, and has gotten better over the season to become a legit weapon. We’ve heard of goal line running backs, but a goal line quarterback? However, he only has a few snaps a game, and has taken a while to really come on in this role. He’s mainly on this list for the massive adversity then his improved performance. Not to mention, the reaction to him getting the Ed Hunt courage award showed that most people do not feel he’s earned the right to collect any accolades yet. This one’s going to make people rant and rave. Isn’t arguing fun?

Who do you think is most deserving of the Comeback Player of the Year award? Someone on this list, or someone unmentioned?
Gaaah, forgot about Benson. He’d qualify for sure, Drew Brees (At the time of the Chargers) got it in 2004, when before hand he just wasn’t very good.