Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was named a finalist for the AP Comeback Player of the Year award, along with Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
After being limited him to nine games a year ago due to a spinal cord contusion that sparked retirement rumors, Stafford returned for the 2023 season and showed he can still play at a high level.
Stafford went 9-6 as a starter and led the Rams to the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoffs after completing 326 of 521 passes for 3,965 yards and 24 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. He missed just two games with one coming in Week 18, which was to rest for the playoffs.
Stafford would return and nearly helped the Rams pull off an upset on the road over his former Detroit Lions team in the Wild Card Round. He completed 69.4% of his passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns in the 24-23 loss.
Toughness. Determination. Sheer love for the game.
Matthew Stafford is a finalist for AP Comeback Player of the Year. 👏 pic.twitter.com/bX1zEDqLMf
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 25, 2024
Stafford has already been named to the Pro Bowl Games as a result of his successful season. It’s his second career selection and first since joining the Rams.
Along with Stafford being nominated for AP Comeback Player of the Year, Puka Nacua was named one of five finalists for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, and Kobie Turner is among five finalists for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Award winners will be announced at Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas on Thursday, Feb. 8, with live coverage of NFL Honors beginning at 6 p.m. PT on CBS and NFL Network.
Matthew Stafford planning to return to Rams for 2024 season
Stafford has already confirmed that he will be back with the Rams in 2024. The soon-to-be 36-year-old needs just 10 touchdowns and 977 passing yards to surpass Eli Manning for 10th all-time in both categories.
