Joe Flacco produced one of the more memorable storylines of the 2023 NFL season after spending the first 11 weeks as a free agent, then joining the Browns and leading them to the playoffs.
The 39-year-old went 4-1 over five starts, throwing for 300-plus yards in four straight games for the first time in franchise history and locked up a playoff berth in a memorable Thursday night win over the Jets in late December. It was a a run Browns fans won’t soon forget, but also quickly became the feel good story of NFL. So much so, in fact that Flacco earned himself a nomination for the AP Comeback Player of the Year Award.
“I don’t necessarily know what I’m coming back from,” Flacco says to Gelb. “I would say most of the guys on that list I’m not sure what we’re coming back from so that’s probably my initial reaction. But I think any time that you’re getting recognized in this league for playing well, I guess, it can be flattering. So it’s a cool group to be a part of that’s for sure. But yeah, that’s my initial thought is, I’m just coming back from, what, being old and not being on a team for a couple months?”
Hamlin made a progressive recovery over the course of the next week and was ultimately discharged back to Buffalo on January 9, 2022 where he continued his rehabilitation. Months later came the incredible revelation from team general manager Brandon Beane, that Hamlin had been cleared to return to the NFL. Hamlin did just that, playing his first snaps since the life changing incident in the Bills preseason opener with the Raiders. He was active for a regular season game for the first time in a Week 4 matchup against Miami.
Some have argued though, that Hamlin’s on the field impact wasn’t enough to warrant winning Comeback Player of the Year. Between defense and special teams, Hamlin played 111 snaps this season. Flacco made it clear, that should be held against him.
“I don’t know how many snaps he played,” Flacco began, “but I just think mentally, to get yourself back to the point where you feel comfortable doing that kind of thing. Obviously the physical parts, you don’t need any explanation there. But I think mentally to get yourself ready to go back out there and feel good doing what we do, especially at his position, is pretty cool.”
