Dolphins' Jaelan Phillips Eyes Comeback Player of the Year Award!

Miami Gardens, USA - Jaelan Phillips, the Miami Dolphins‘ determined edge rusher, has emerged as a prime candidate for the coveted NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. This accolade recognizes players who bravely overcome adversity, be it through injury, illness, or unforeseen circumstances, to return to the field and make an impact. As Yardbarker highlights, last season’s recipient was quarterback Joe Burrow, who grappled with his own injury struggles before rising to success once again. The competition for this year’s award was a close call, with Phillips edging out fellow Dolphin Tua Tagovailoa due to his extensive time on the sidelines last season.

In the past couple of years, Phillips has faced a string of injuries that have kept him from showcasing his full potential. Most notably, he suffered a partially torn ACL when a collision with teammate Jordan Poyer during a game against the Tennessee Titans resulted in a significant setback. In fact, injuries have sidelined Phillips for a total of 22 games across the last two seasons, including a torn Achilles tendon in 2023, which further delayed his return to the field. According to NFL.com, this is the second season-ending lower-body injury Phillips has battled within just ten months.

Phillips’ Path to Recovery

After being cleared from the PUP list on August 12, Phillips was eager to resume his role as a defensive key player. Despite a promising start, things took a downturn, and he ended up on injured reserve just four weeks into the season. Yet, in those four games, he still managed remarkable numbers: 6 tackles, 2 quarterback hits, 2 passes defensed, and a sack. With his career tally hitting 23 sacks over 46 games, including an impressive 6.5 sacks in just eight games during the 2023 season, it’s clear that Phillips possesses the talent needed to reclaim his position on the field.

The upcoming season is pivotal for Phillips as he plays out the final year of his rookie contract, worth $13.3 million on the fifth-year option. Alongside solidifying his spot on the team, a stellar performance could also be the key to securing a new contract before entering free agency. The Dolphins have recently made headlines by extending wide receiver Jaylen Waddle with a lucrative three-year deal worth $84.75 million, indicating the franchise is serious about its talent investments.

A Historic Award

The Comeback Player of the Year award is steeped in rich history. Established to honor those who have faced and triumphed over personal challenges, it has seen myriad winners since its inception. Players like Paul Lowe and Chad Pennington have secured this honor twice, and the award itself has been presented by notable organizations including the Associated Press and Pro Football Writers Association. As outlined in Wikipedia, its lineage stretches back to 1962, when Frank Gifford first claimed the title after overcoming a serious injury.

For Phillips, this journey symbolizes not just a comeback story but also a testament to his fortitude and relentless spirit. As he expressed on social media, „The mission is still the mission,“ and he has a strong desire to finish what he started. With the 2025 season ahead, fans are eagerly anticipating his efforts on the field and hoping he can rise to challenge, showcasing the talent that made him a first-round pick in 2021.