Joe Flacco.Photo:Tim Warner/Getty

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 13: Joe Flacco #15 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass against the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Houston, Texa

Tim Warner/Getty

Joe Flacco’s comeback season is capped off with an NFL Honors award.

“Big thanks to the city of Cleveland, just everybody in Cleveland. I wanna say thank you to my teammates just for welcoming me in that locker room at that point in the year,” began the quarterback. “Coming in as the new guy is not the easiest thing.”

“I want to say thank you to the organization,” continued Flacco. “I want to say thank you to the city for making me and my family feel welcome. It was truly special.”

“Before I get out of here, I want to say thank you to my beautiful wife. None of this would be possible without her back at home being the woman that she is,” concluded Flacco, in a shoutout to his wife of 13 years, Dana.

Flacco’s win follows a tight vote between himself, the Buffalo Bills safetyDamar Hamlin, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. The scoring gave Flacco 151 votes, while Hamlin garnered 140 and Mayfield received 93.

Joe Flacco.Cooper Neill/Getty

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 13: Joe Flacco #15 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

Cooper Neill/Getty

In December 2023, the former Baltimore Ravens quarterback made theCleveland Brownsactive roster and led the team to the Wild Card round of playoffs, where they ultimately lost to the Houston Texans. Joe said the best part of joining the team was being able to relish the moment with Dana and their kids.

Damar Hamlin.Christopher Polk/Getty

Damar Hamlin at The 2023 ESPYS held at Dolby Theatre on July 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

Christopher Polk/Getty

Flacco’s win was a surprise over Hamlin, who returned to playing this season after collapsing on the field during aMonday Night Footballgame in January 2023.

At last year’s NFL Honors, Hamlinhighlighted and thanked the first responderswho revived him on the field. “I have a long journey ahead, a journey full of unknowns and a journey full of milestones,” he said in his speech. “But it’s a lot easier to face your fears when you have a purpose.”

The NFL Honors is an annual award ceremony held in the week leading up to theSuper Bowl, recognizing the league’s highlights of the season — from plays to overall performances and players.

source: people.com