Latest news with #ComebackPlayeroftheYearAward
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Alabama football starters named to 2025 Comeback Player of the Year watch list
With 11 days remaining until Alabama football's season opener at Florida State, two Crimson Tide starters were among those named to the 2025 Comeback Player of the Year watch list Tuesday. Fifth-year senior linebacker Deontae Lawson and junior defensive back Keon Sabb both made the list a year after injuries cut short their respective seasons a year ago. Lawson sustained a season-ending ACL injury in Alabama's 24-3 loss at Oklahoma on Nov. 23. In 11 games last season, he was second on the team in tackles with 76 (36 solo) and had seven tackles for loss, two sacks, four pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble. Lawson was also named to the preseason watch list for the 2025 Bednarik Award, as well as the Butkus Award and Nagurski Trophy. Sabb, who officially transferred to Alabama from Michigan in February 2024, got off to a promising start last year but was limited to seven starts after a season-ending foot injury in Alabama's 24-17 loss at Tennessee on Oct. 19. Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack praised Sabb for being ahead of schedule earlier this month after fall camp opened. "Keon is doing a really good job," Wommack said back on Aug. 2. "He has really pushed. Our training staff's done a great job with him. I think he's ahead of really every marker that we had in the offseason for him, and we weren't sure if he was going to be able to go to the level that he's going right now at the beginning of fall camp, but he is and he's here. "I don't know if I could put a number on it exactly, but he's out there playing with our guys, so he's comfortable enough to be able to do that," Wommack added. "Sometimes those injuries, you just have to build a callous of coming back and I think that's something he's really pushing himself to right now to get ready for the season." Sabb recorded 39 tackles (24 solo), one tackle for loss, four pass breakups and two interceptions a year ago. Both interceptions came in the Crimson Tide's season-opening 63-0 win over Western Kentucky on Aug. 31. About the Comeback Player of the Year Award The Comeback Player of the Year is presented annually by College Sports Communications in association with the Associated Press (AP) and the Fiesta Bowl. Per the award's official website: "Since 2018, the Comeback Player of the Year Award watch list has been comprised of 75 student-athletes who overcame an injury, illness or other circumstance in the previous year. Each player returned to full health for the 2025 season and showcased their skills, helping their teams compete to their highest potential." Three players were awarded the Comeback Player of the Year in 2024: South Carolina running back Rocket Sanders, Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough, and Utah State defensive back Ike Larsen. Alabama football schedule 2025 All start times Central. Follow us at @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Alabama Crimson Tide news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Trio of Florida Gators named to 2025 Comeback Player of the Year Award watch list
The 2025 Comeback Player of the Year Award preseason watch list was released ahead of the start of the upcoming college football campaign and included a trio of Florida Gators. Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Eugene Wilson III, redshirt junior defensive lineman Jamari Lyons and redshirt sophomore defensive back Aaron Gates were among those named. All three have dealt with significant injury adversity and are looking to prove a point on the gridiron this fall. Wilson suffered a season-ending hip injury in his second year following a phenomenal freshman campaign that showcased his electric qualities on offense. Last year, he played in the team's first four games hauling in 19 receptions for 266 yards and a touchdown — that score coming on an 85-yard jet toss from DJ Lagway against Samford — before being sidelined. Lyons suffered a season-ending injury prior to the opening kickoff of 2024 after recording 20 tackles (10 solo) and 2.5 tackles for loss in 2023, which had set him up for high expectations. His broken ankle required two surgeries and multiple rehab stints, but he appears prepared for his return in 2025. Gates suffered a torn ACL in the Ole Miss late last November, taking him out of action for the team's final two games — against the Florida State Seminoles to close out the regular season and Tulane Green Wave at the Gasparilla Bowl. Still, he was an important contributor at the STAR position, finishing fifth on the team in tackles-for-loss with a 4.0 and logged a total of 27 tackles (14 solo), along with an interception, three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and a quarterback hurry. About the Comeback Player of the Year Award Since 2018, the Comeback Player of the Year Award watch list has been comprised of 75 student-athletes who overcame an injury, illness or other circumstance in the previous year. Each player returned to full health for the 2025 season and showcased their skills, helping their teams compete to their highest potential. The Comeback Player of the Year Award honors three of the athletes who were named to the watch list as winners of the award. The three winners are chosen by a panel of Associated Press college football writers and sports information directors. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
21-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ex-New York Giants QB boldly predicted to win Comeback Player of the Year Award
The Daniel Jones era came to an end midway through the 2024 season for the New York Giants, and it was the right move for both sides. Though the Giants had already signed him to a $160 million contract during the prior offseason, the fit simply wasn't working for either side. Now, Jones is with the Indianapolis Colts and has a chance to take the starting job from the polarizing Anthony Richardson. In a way-too-early bold predictions article from Jeffri Chadiha of Jones was predicted to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award with his new team. Now, Jones gets to work with a creative offensive head coach in Shane Steichen, who happens to be the same man who helped take Jalen Hurts from raw talent to MVP-caliber quarterback in Philadelphia. Steichen likes quarterbacks who can move, and his time with Hurts proved that he could think outside of the box when it comes to maximizing a signal-caller's strengths. Steichen easily could be the man to take Jones to another level, especially when considering the Colts have better skill players and offensive line play than Jones ever enjoyed in New York. Nobody saw Darnold taking off when he arrived in Minnesota. Jones could do similar things in Indy if he stays healthy. While it's true the Colts probably have a better offensive line than what Jones has had to work with in New York, they've never had an elite talent like Malik Nabers in the receiver room. He should get the benefit of a solid rushing attack with Jonathan Taylor leading the way there as well. It would be quite the narrative for general manager Joe Schoen if Jones wound up reviving his career and winning the award just one season after Saquon Barkley went nuclear and entered the MVP conversation. It would take a lot for Jones to reach that level again with the Colts, but the Giants are now focused on their new direction with Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart under center.
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Cowboys Best Positioned for Postseason Award Runs
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. This is the year. The 2025-26 NFL season is prime territory for putting an old narrative to rest. Everyone is sick of hearing about the Dallas Cowboys and their lack of postseason success. Every jinx seems as though it handcuffs an organization, until it doesn't, and quite frankly, America's Team and its fans have had enough. CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys Photo by/Newsweek/Getty Images No one cares anymore about how long it's been since the last trip to the NFC Championship Game. Dallas didn't even qualify for postseason contention last January. They have put those failures behind them. All that matters is Week 1 on September 4 and that space between the first game and Super Bowl 60 on February 8. Say what you will. The Cowboys have the talent to make the playoffs and finally make a run, and in the process, fans can expect for some of their players to upset the apple cart with some postseason recognition. Must read: Nine Former Cowboys Nominated for Legendary Honor Dallas Cowboys with the best chances to earn postseason recognition And, just like that, it's year one of the Brian Schottenheimer era. His father is an NFL icon. Cowboys fans hope the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Every coach will tell you the same thing. The job gets easier if there is talent on the roster, and Dallas certainly has that. Last season, three of their guys were designated as All-Pros. Five were mentioned as members of the Pro Bowl team. Some say team success trumps individual honors. That may be true, but extensions are handed to individuals. Most would like to have something substantial on their resume when the enter negotiations. Besides, better talent often equals team success, and Dallas needs the guys on this list to help steer the ship through what should be a bounceback season. Dak Prescott - Comeback Player of the Year Geno Smith won a Comeback Player of the Year Award for simply constructing a decent season after being bad for so long. That being said, Dak Prescott can win the same honor for leading his team back to the playoffs after being shut down because of injury. QB1 of America's Team always finds his way back to the spotlight at some point. DeMarvion Overshown - Pro Bowl (depending on when he returns) DeMarvion Overshown was balling before it was announced he would miss the remainder of last season and part of the upcoming campaign after suffering a torn ACL, MCL, and PCL in Week 14. Hopefully, he isn't out to long because the appetite for more grew after seeing him tally 90 tackles, five sacks, four pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble. If he returns and gets on a run, the Pro Bowl voters will notice. CeeDee Lamb - All-Pro, Pro Bowl The 88 Club's fourth member may have more physical talent than the first three. He also embodies many of the best traits we saw in Drew Pearson, Michael Irvin, and Dez Bryant. CeeDee still has work to do though in terms of crafting an equally impressive resume as the Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees, and he knows that. Another All-Pro nod and Pro Bowl mention will certainly push him towards that, but ultimately, he MUST win in the postseason. Must read: Jaire Alexander Makes Sense for Cornerback-Needy Cowboys George Pickens - Pro Bowl New face... Fresh start... George Pickens trades Black and Gold for The Star, but he brought his familiar playmaking skill set with him. Postseason honors have eluded him, which is surprising seeing as how he notched over 1,100 yards and led the league in yards per reception in 2023 (18.1), but paired with Lamb, he'll get plenty of opportunities (and more recognition). Tyler Smith - All-Pro, Pro Bowl Three years into Tyler Smith's career, he's off to a scorching start. He was named to the Pro Football Writers Association's All-Rookie Team. He has since been named to the last two Pro Bowl rosters. With Zack Martin retired, he's now the best offensive lineman on the Cowboys roster, and more postseason recognition seems very realistic. Micah Parsons - All-Pro, Pro Bowl, Defensive Player of the Year One of the best players in the game regardless of position, Micah Parsons is ticked off and in a contract season. Sure, he can drop the podcasts less often, and no one would complain. Still, he continues to be one of the unstoppable forces in the NFL. Brandon Aubrey - All Pro, Pro Bowl Brandon Aubrey finished second among kickers in terms of Pro Bowl votes last season. He made the roster and also earned an All-Pro nod. Don't expect any regression. It stands to reason that the coming campaign will be equally successful for him as the one we witnessed from him last season. Kavontae Turpin - All-Pro, Pro Bowl Kavontae Turpin is the best returner in the game. Everyone knows that. The only thing that could keep him from enjoying the same level success is an effort by opposing teams to kick away from him. Tyler Booker - PFWA All-Rookie Team, Pro Bowl Dallas added to their offensive line this offseason and made sure they invested some draft capital to the cause in the form of Tyler Booker. They don't give Offensive Rookie of the Year trophies to guards. The 2025 NFL Draft's 12th overall selection will have to settle for a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Must read: Cowboys Win Optics War as Micah Parsons One-Ups Steelers' TJ Watt Donovan Ezeiruaku - PFWA All-Rookie Team Dallas landed Donovan Ezeiruaku with the 44th overall selection, but many draft pundits gave him first-round grades. Terms like 'steal' come to mind. He earned the Ted Hendricks Award in 2024, an honor given to college football's top defensive end. He was a Consensus All-American and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. This is someone to watch. He led the ACC with 21 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks. If that translates to the pro level, watch out.
USA Today
30-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
DeAndre Hopkins has seemingly found the fountain of youth at Ravens OTAs
DeAndre Hopkins has seemingly found the fountain of youth at Ravens OTAs It's early, but DeAndre Hopkins is already one of the nice surprises from the Ravens' summer workouts. There can't be any other logical explanation. There must be a fountain of youth in Charm City. Its river must flow through the Baltimore Ravens headquarters. How else could Ed Reed still perform at an elite level well into his mid-thirties? How is it possible that Ray Lewis could ignore his body's injury and spearhead a Super Bowl run at 37? Maybe the fountain isn't available to everyone. Still, it's fair to ask why John Harbaugh turns 63 in September, and he still doesn't look a day over 35. Last season, Derrick Henry, at 30, ran for 1,921 yards and a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns. He added 193 yards and two more touchdowns on 19 receptions. Don't look now, but DeAndre Hopkins is also turning back the clock. DeAndre Hopkins's first impression at Ravens OTAs has been a good one. Look, it's only May. Yes, we're only talking about OTAs, but Hopkins is impressing early. On Day 2 of Ravens OTAs, he clocked in at 20 miles per hour, alongside Marquise Robinson and Tez Walker. Yes, we're talking about guys running around in non-contact drills with shorts on, but let's be honest. That's relatively interesting. Hopkins turns 33 years old on June 6th. This could turn out to be something special because Baltimore doesn't need him to be a workhorse. They have Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman for that, but how does one ignore the sideline catch we all witnessed on the Ravens' social media channels? For now, we'll temper the excitement. It's too early to name him a finalist for the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year Award, but he seems like he has an ax to grind and something to prove. Knowing everything we know about him, it seems wise to jot down a few notes and revisit later. Again, it's early, but so far, so good for the old man. He's been impressive, and that's been a consistent discussion at the Under Armour Performance Center.
