Official AP Projected Standings
AP Clarified Criteria Active
| # | Candidate | 1st (5pt) | 2nd (3pt) | 3rd (1pt) | Total Pts | Vote Share |
|---|
Tiebreaker: 1st-place votes > 2nd-place votes > 3rd-place votes
Updated in real-time
50 AP Voter Ballot Distribution
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Each box represents 1 of 50 accredited AP media members (e.g., Peter King, Rob Maaddi, Judy Battista, Rich Eisen). Colors reflect their 1st-place selection.
Voter #1 (Rob Maaddi): Strict Medical/Adversity
1st: Hamlin (5) | 2nd: Flacco (3) | 3rd: Mayfield (1)
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1ST · 5 PTS
2ND · 3 PTS
3RD · 1 PT
⚠️ Duplicate selection detected. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place must be distinct candidates.
AP Clarified Guidance Directives
Following the 2023 vote (where Joe Flacco won after playing just 5 games following benching, despite Damar Hamlin receiving the most 1st-place votes after surviving cardiac arrest), the Associated Press issued official guidance to all 50 voters:
“The spirit of the AP Comeback Player of the Year award is to honor a player who has overcome illness, physical injury, or other severe adversity that led to missed playing time — not merely bouncing back from poor performance or moving off the bench.”
Historical & Hypothetical Presets
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50-Voter Panel Composition
Total: 50 Voters
Medical / Adversity First
24
Follows AP directive strictly. Prioritizes life-threatening or season-ending injuries.
Performance / Box Score First
14
Values late-season wins, TD numbers, and playoff berths above injury severity.
Media Narrative & Storyline
12
Gravitates toward national headline virality, age factors, and miracle storylines.
Active Candidate Profiles & AP Compliance
5 Contenders