One CPOTY voter ranked Russell Wilson over Joe Burrow

Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Joe Burrow on the red carpet before Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow came away with the Comeback Player of the Year award this week, his second time winning it.

In a refreshing twist, the actual votes from each person involved in the process went public, too.

And while Burrow wound up winning the award, what’s notable is where some dismissed his season while voting for others.

One notable example? The Athletic’s Dianna Russini ranked Burrow third, putting Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson over him on the ballot.

While Darnold’s comeback is unquestioned, the presence of Wilson on there — the only vote for Wilson on any ballot — will raise some eyebrows.

Burrow had an MVP-like season after coming back from a season-ending wrist injury on his throwing arm, pacing the league in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43) with just nine interceptions.

Wilson, in his first year with the Steelers, appeared in 11 games, throwing for 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns against five interceptions.

Overall, Burrow appeared worse than third place on just a handful of ballots. He was outright omitted from Tony Dungy’s top five — Sam Darnold, J.K. Dobbins, Nick Chubb, Kirk Cousins and Tim Patrick.