Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill was named the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year Saturday evening at the NFL Honors ceremony.
“It’s an honor,” Tannehill told reporters. “It’s something you never want to be up initially for, but it is such an honor just to be recognized for the fighting through adversity I’ve had to face over the past couple of years.”
Tannehill was traded by the Miami Dolphins to Tennessee last summer and opened the season as Marcus Mariota’s backup. In six seasons with the Dolphins, Tannehill put up solid numbers, throwing for 20,434 yards, 123 touchdowns and 75 interceptions while compiling a 42-46 record as a starter.
Tannehill took over the starting job from Mariota after Tennessee was shut out by the Denver Broncos, 16-0 in Week 6. After taking over starting responsibilities, Tannehill guided the Titans to a 7-3 record, and Tennessee made the AFC Championship game upsetting both the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots and top-seeded Baltimore Ravens along the way.
In 10 starts and two appearances as a backup for the Titans, Tannehill threw for 2,742 yards, 22 touchdowns, six interceptions and completed 70 percent of his passes. Tannehill also picked up 185 yards on the ground and ran for four touchdowns.
Tannehill had a career resurgence in 2019, setting career-highs in completion percentage, touchdown percentage, yards per attempt and led the NFL in quarterback rating.
He was also selected to his first-ever Pro Bowl and named the 2019 Most Improved Player by the Professional Football Writers of America.
“I am so thankful for everyone who voted for me, and all of my teammates,” Tannehill said. “It wouldn’t be possible without a whole group of people that surrounds me and helps me on a daily basis.”
