Starting in 1963, then again in 1998, the Associated Press began awarding players the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. These are players who overcome adversity to perform at an elite level. In recent years, this award has grown in popularity, as we’ve been able to see players come back from major injuries and be critical assets in their respective locker rooms. The Pittsburgh Steelers have only had one player in their history to win this award. Who was the only Steeler to win Comeback Player of the Year you may ask? You guessed it, Tommy Maddox in 2002. As we look towards the fresh 2021 season, here are cases for a couple of Steelers players to win this award this season.
[incontent2]
Devin Bush Jr., LB
Bush made a big splash in his rookie year in 2019. Coming into his first season, Bush’s reputation proceeded him and he definitely lived up to the hype. Almost instantly he proved he can be the leader on defense in calling plays and be an every-down linebacker. He posted 72 solo tackles with a sack, 2 impressive interceptions, and a fumble return for a touchdown. Needless to say, Bush was ready to carry that momentum in a successful 2020 season. However in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns, his season was cut short after tearing his ACL. Since then, Bush has been on the road to recovery and looks to be ready after OTA’s and Mini Camp. We saw the side effects of a Bush-less defense in the second half of the 2020 season which showed his worth at linebacker. Bush is going to bounce back in a major way in 2021 and be a leader on a top 5 NFL defense.
[incontent3]
Zach Banner, OT
After getting drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2017, Banner bounced around the league for a year until he landed in Pittsburgh in 2018. Since then, he’s been an entertaining, charismatic player on the offensive line and has grown to be a fan favorite. Going into the 2020 season, Banner worked his you-know-what off to earn the starting role at the tackle position. Amidst other skill-players on offense, a lot of fans and coaches’ eyes were on Banner in the preseason leading up to the season opener against the New York Giants. Seeing Banner tearing his ACL in the season opener after seeing all his hard work in the offseason, was heartbreaking for fans. But as we near closer to a new season, and a new offensive line, Banner is looking to be the veteran leader. New offensive line coach, Adrian Klemm is going to have the Steelers offensive line ready to go for 2021, and Banner is going to be a main contributor to the new attitude. Banner is one of the hardest workers in the entire league, and it is time he should be recognized for it.
Who do you think should win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2021? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
