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Top Five Candidates for NFL Comeback Player of the Year

Paul Augustin, Jr.

Senior Analyst Written on June 19, 2009

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CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 09: Chad Johnson# 85 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after the game against the St. Louis Rams at Paul Brown Stadium on December 9, 2007 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated St. Louis 19-10. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Imag

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Whether it's injuries or other circumstances, even some of the greatest players have down years.

Of course, part of what makes someone great is how they respond to adversity.

Pro Football Weekly has given out the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award every year since 1972, with the exception of 1985. Twice, in 1986 and 2005, the award has been split between two players.

Many Hall of Famers and Super Bowl MVP's have won the award. Among them are Joe Namath, John Riggins, Joe Montana, and Marcus Allen.

Here are some facts about the award winners.

A defensive player has won the award only four times.

Chad Pennington, last year's winner, is the only two-time winner.

Marshall University has been represented that past three seasons, Pennington and Randy Moss.

Without further ado, here are my top candidates for this year's winner.

Honorable Mention: WR Marques Colston

SEATTLE - OCTOBER 14: Marques Colston #12of the New Orleans Saints leaps to make the reception Kelly Jennings #21of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on October 14, 2007 in Seattle, Washington. The Saints defeated the Seahawks 28-17. (Photo by Otto Gre

2008 numbers: 47 rec, 760 yards, five TDs.

He was limited to 11 games with a thumb injury and only started in six of them.

Why he's a candidate: As you can see, Colston has the size and leaping ability to win a jump ball against any defender.

He had 160 catches in his first two seasons while posting consecutive 1,000 yard seasons.

It also helps that he is Drew Brees' favorite target.

Number Five: WR Roy E. Williams

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 02: Roy Williams #11 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a pass as Corey Webster #23 of the New York Giants defends during their game on November 2, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty

2008 numbers: 36 rec, 430 yards, two TDs. They were all Career lows.

I don't think Williams was mentally ready for the transition from quiet Detroit to media frenzy Dallas when he became a Cowboy via a midseason trade.

Why he's a candidate: Williams is the number one receiver in Dallas. Tony Romo is a better passer than any one Williams had in Detroit.

Williams has all the tools to be an elite receiver.

Number Four: WR Chad Ochocinco

BALTIMORE - SEPTEMBER 7: Wide receiver Chad Johnson #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals stands on the field prior to game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 7, 2008 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won 17-10. (Photo by Ned Dishman/G

2008 numbers: 53 rec, 540 yards, four TDs,

The artist formerly known as Chad Johnson admitted that he basically blew off any and all conditioning regimens last season, as he tried everything in his power to get traded.

Why he's a candidate: Like Colston and Williams, Ochocinco will have the luxury of having a pro bowl quarterback throwing the ball his way.

Ochocinco once led the AFC in receiving in four straight seasons. At 31, he's still young enough to remake himself into a premier wide out.

Number Three: Matt Hasselbeck

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 7: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to pass during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on September 7, 2008 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by: Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

2008 Numbers: 1,216 yards, five TDs, 10 INTs, 52.2 completion percentage.

Hasselbeck battled through a bulging disk to play in seven games before calling it a season.

Why he's a candidate: He's made the pro bowl in every odd numbered year since 2003.

In 2007, he threw for just under 4,000 yards and threw for over 20 touchdowns for the fourth time in his career.

The addition of T.J. Houshmandzadeh should help Hasselbeck's season of redemption.

Number Two: QB Carson Palmer

CINCINNATI - SEPTEMBER 14: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter of their NFL game September 14, 2008 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Ima

2008 numbers: 731 yards, three TDs, four INTs.

Palmer played in just four games in 2008 due to injury.

Why he's a candidate: From 2005-2007, Palmer averaged 4,000 yards and just under 29 touchdowns per season. He also made two pro bowls in that span.

Palmer is among the league's top five quarterbacks when he's healthy.

Number One: QB Tom Brady

FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 7: Quarterback #12 of the New England Patriots looks on during their NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 7, 2008 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Chiefs 17-10. (Photo by Els

2008 numbers: 11 passes, 76 yards.

A devastating knee injury ended Brady's season as soon as it got started.

Why he's a candidate: The last time this guy played a full season, he was the MVP.

Brady will continue to be in the MVP discussion for the next five years. He's got the weapons to put up another monster season.

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