Early 2017 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Contenders

Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) before the game against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Few awards are more prestigious in the NFL aside from MVP than the Comeback Player of the Year honor. Mostly for what it represents.

Hollywood loves creating those tales of men hammered down by the odds, only to see them rise up and defy them. Be it from an injury or simply a major decline in their ability. Thus follow the questions of whether they’ll ever be the same player they once were. The award signifies their personal quests to show everybody in the football world they were wrong. So who should be considered the favorites to claim it for the 2017 season?

Tony Romo (QB)

This is completely predicated on the fact that Romo is eventually released by the Dallas Cowboys. Something they seem hesitant to do. If he does end up starting for another team, it will be his prime opportunity to show the league he still has another run left in him. Romo looked sharp in his brief action last year. No doubt his health is a primary concern after failing to finish two-straight season. Even so he is the classic poster child for a comeback story.

Tyrann Mathieu (S)

He was fast becoming one of the most versatile and dangerous defensive backs in the league. Now injuries have once again hampered the progress of Tyrann Mathieu. He missed six games last season and his loss really hurt the Arizona Cardinals defense in a number of areas. People are starting to think his body just can’t hold up the strain of a full NFL season. That no doubt is going to put a chip on Mathieu’s shoulder, and he is effective when that’s the case.

Tyler Eifert (TE)

Another injury-prone player who is just so good when he can actually stay on the field. Tyler Eifert was a vital part of the Cincinnati Bengals offense in 2015. His presence made life so much easier for A.J. Green and the running game. Without him last year things were much more difficult. Going into this season, people wonder if his body can hold out. He might have a Pro Bowl in his future were that to happen. He’s that productive when staying on the field.

Todd Gurley (RB)

The sophomore slump is often a very real thing for NFL players. Great rookie seasons are following by surprising downturns. Todd Gurley was no exception. Despite playing more games, he had fewer yards and fewer touchdowns than he did in 2015. He blamed the lack of creativity and poor play calling on offense. Two things that are likely to change under new hot shot head coach Sean McVay, who is fresh off a successful run in Washington as offensive coordinator.

J.J. Watt (DE)

Like this is any surprise. J.J. Watt was the baddest pass rusher on the planet in 2015 and is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Last season was hard for him, having to bow out after just three games to have back surgery. No doubt he’s counting the days to get back on the field, a hobby quarterbacks around the league aren’t sharing in. Knowing the player he is it’s hard not seeing Watt as the heavy favorite to claim this award in 2017.

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