Jordy Nelson’s career could have ended after he missed the entire 2015 season due to a torn ACL. Instead, the 31-year old wide receiver returned with such a strong performance that the Associated Press made him its Comeback Player of the Year.
Jordy Nelson named NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Nelson recovered from a torn ACL to lead the league in receiving touchdowns.
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nelson bounced back from a lost 2015 to lead the league in touchdown receptions with 14. His 97-catch season was the second-highest of his career. His 1,257 receiving yards marked the fourth time in his career eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark.
His return led to a major revival for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The two-time MVP completed more of his passes (60.7 percent to 65.7), threw for more yards (3,821 to 4,428), threw more passing touchdowns (31 to 40), and upped his passer rating by nearly a dozen points to 104.2.
Together, they helped carry Green Bay to an NFC North title despite a 4-6 start to the season.
The Packers’ wideout beat out a loaded roster of comeback candidates to claim the award. Andrew Luck, Le’Veon Bell, Jimmy Graham, and Jason Pierre-Paul all fought their way back from injuries to make a big impact this fall. Melvin Gordon and Cameron Wake both had bounce-back performances that merited serious consideration as well.
In the end it was Nelson, whose standout play helped spark a huge Packers rally at the end of the season, who outshone them all to take home the AP’s Comeback Player of the Year award.
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