Sam Darnold Ineligible for Comeback Player Award

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, despite his impressive performance this season, is ineligible for the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year award due to updated criteria that require candidates to have overcome significant hardships that caused them to miss playing time the previous season. Darnold, who has led the Vikings to a 5-0 start with 1,111 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, served as a backup last season and did not miss any games due to injury or illness. The AP's new guidelines emphasize resilience in facing adversity, which Darnold's situation does not meet. As a result, while he may not be recognized for this specific award, he is being considered as a frontrunner for the NFL MVP award. Analysts believe Darnold's revitalized career could lead to a lucrative free-agent opportunity after this season. His performance is being widely praised, marking a significant turnaround from his previous stints with other teams.