Every NFL season brings a handful of redemption stories. Whether it is returning from injury, bouncing back from a down year, or proving doubters wrong, the Comeback Player of the Year award often highlights some of the league’s most compelling journeys. Here are the top candidates heading into 2025.
Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey enters the 2025 season looking to bounce back from a frustrating 2024 campaign that was derailed by injuries. He appeared in only four games before suffering a serious knee injury followed by Achilles complications that required extensive rehab. Just one year earlier, McCaffrey had led the NFL in total touchdowns and scrimmage yards.
This offseason, he reshaped his recovery approach, reportedly rebuilding his conditioning from the ground up. During June minicamp, he looked like his old self, running full speed and participating in drills without setbacks. The 49ers are easing him back into a full workload, but they remain optimistic that their offensive centerpiece is returning at full strength.
If McCaffrey can return to All-Pro form and deliver even 1,500 scrimmage yards, it would be one of the season’s most impressive comeback efforts. Given his pedigree and impact when healthy, he is firmly on the award watchlist heading into training camp.
Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson is set up for a big return after a devastating leg injury cut short his 2024 season. Before going down in Week 6, Hutchinson was playing the best football of his young career, already piling up sacks, quarterback hits, and pressure numbers that ranked among the league’s best.
He has since made a full recovery and was back to full-speed workouts by late spring. Detroit’s coaching staff expects him to resume his dominant form, and the defensive line has been strengthened with more interior support designed to free him up.
If Hutchinson hits double-digit sacks and leads a top-tier defense, he will be a major contender for Comeback Player of the Year. His early season performance last year showed what he is capable of, and now the full-season spotlight awaits.
Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott has faced ups and downs in recent years, but 2024 was among the toughest stretches of his career. After leading the NFL in touchdown passes in 2023, Prescott struggled early last season and was eventually sidelined with a hamstring injury. He finished with just 11 touchdown passes and 8 interceptions across eight games, and the Cowboys’ offense collapsed without him.
Since then, he has signed a four year contract extension and spent the offseason preparing for a rebound year. Dallas added wide receiver George Pickens and brought in a new offensive coordinator to help retool the passing game. Early reports from OTAs have been positive, noting that Prescott’s arm strength and mobility are back.
If he leads the Cowboys back to the playoffs and posts strong numbers, he will be firmly in the mix for the award. As the quarterback of America’s Team, his return to form would be hard for voters to ignore.
Trevor Lawrence
Trevor Lawrence’s 2024 season was a major letdown after entering the year with high expectations. Following a strong close to 2023, Lawrence was expected to take the next step, but instead he battled injuries and inconsistency throughout the season. He missed several games with shoulder issues and a concussion and finished with just 11 touchdown passes in 10 games.
The Jaguars cleaned house this offseason, bringing in new offensive leadership under Liam Coen. The simplified system is reportedly tailored to Lawrence’s strengths. He has been fully healthy during team activities and has shown improved rhythm and timing during minicamp.
With better protection and a more focused offense, Lawrence is positioned to bounce back and remind people why he was once considered a franchise cornerstone. A strong 2025 would put him right back into the spotlight and make him a legitimate award candidate.
Underdog Comeback Candidates
Rashee Rice
Rashee Rice has one of the more complicated comeback stories on the list. He is recovering from a knee injury while also navigating legal trouble related to a high-speed crash this past spring. Despite the off-field concerns, Rice avoided suspension and is currently practicing with the team.
His rookie season in 2023 showed real promise. He led the Chiefs in receiving yards and touchdowns, emerging as Patrick Mahomes’ most reliable wideout. After an injury-plagued 2024 and with several departures in the wide receiver room, Kansas City is giving Rice every opportunity to reclaim a major role in the offense.
If he can stay healthy and deliver another productive season in a high-profile offense, Rice could emerge as a dark horse for Comeback Player of the Year.
Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa is coming off a difficult 2024 campaign marked by injuries and inconsistency. He missed six games with a concussion and hip injury, and the Dolphins’ offense struggled in his absence. Still, when healthy, Tua posted a top ten passer rating and flashed his trademark accuracy and decision-making.
Now entering the first year of a massive contract extension, Tua has reportedly revamped his training to focus on durability. He has earned praise from teammates and coaches for his leadership throughout the offseason.
If he stays healthy and leads Miami back to the playoffs, his redemption story could gain real traction. Given the expectations tied to his contract, a bounce-back year would be hard to overlook.
Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs is looking to reset his career after a torn ACL ended his 2024 season midway through his first year with the Texans. Following a trade from Buffalo, Diggs never quite found his rhythm in Houston and finished with just 392 yards and two touchdowns before the injury.
Now in New England, Diggs is expected to serve as the top receiving option for a team in need of offensive identity. Team reports suggest he will be ready for Week 1, and his route running remains a strength. If he can return to form and help lift the Patriots offense, Diggs could become one of the league’s top comeback stories.
A 1,000 yard season from a veteran recovering from a major injury, especially in a new system, would make him a strong contender for the award.
Final Thoughts
No matter how the 2025 season shakes out, this year’s Comeback Player of the Year race could be one of the deepest and most competitive in recent memory. The spotlight will be on stars like McCaffrey and Prescott, but don’t count out the under-the-radar names who could steal the show by season’s end.
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