Urlacher Deserving of Comeback Awards

Bears Pro Bowler Brian Urlacher thinks that Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick should win the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award.

“Vick's got to get it,'' Urlacher told the Chicago Tribune. "Especially with all the stuff he's been through. For me, I don't really care about that.''

With these comments, Urlacher shows that he doesn't really care about awards. Maybe Urlacher's mantle is full. With a Defensive Player of the Year, a Defensive Rookie of the Year and multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro awards, perhaps Urlacher doesn't really care about getting credit. That's too bad, because he is absolutely deserving of the Comeback award.

Urlacher played in just one game last season before breaking his wrist. Without him, the Bears defense suffered, giving up 23.4 points and 337 yards per game. Upon his return, the Bears defense turned into one of the NFL's best. This season, they gave up just under 18 points and 314 yards per regular season game. He led the team in tackles with 126, and added four sacks -- a category he was blanked on the previous two seasons -- and an interception.

Vick's renaissance is impressive, but what is he coming back from? He played a full season last year. He's far enough removed from his prison sentence that the NFL doesn't need to still be amazed by his comeback. Urlacher spent last season rehabbing his wrist, while Vick spent it playing football. How is that a comeback?