NFL writer predicts Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow will be the first two-time winner of major award

The most statistically efficient season of Joe Burrow's career thus far resulted in a Super Bowl appearance for the Cincinnati Bengals, and some personal hardware for the quarterback himself.

Burrow took home the 2021 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award for his impressive season that followed a severe knee injury that cut his 2020 season short. It was the first time Burrow had to bounce back from a major injury.

Three years later, he'll have to do it again . So who's to say the award won't find its way to Burrow once more?

A to Z Sports Detroit Lions beat writer Mike Payton went ahead and predicted the winners of every major NFL award for the upcoming season , and landed on Burrow winning Comeback Player of the Year for the second time in his career.

"He's coming back from a season ending injury and the Bengals are expected to be a playoff team again with him back in the saddle. He'll likely put up a pretty good season and get this award for making that comeback. This was an easy pick. We'll see if some 38-year-old quarterback comes out of retirement and steals it away." - A to Z Sports' Mike Payton

A successful season for both Burrow and the Bengals would make the 27-year old an easy candidate for the award. Quarterbacks have traditionally dominated the honor in its history, and coming back from injury is typically the best way to win. Burrow missed the final seven weeks of last season due to a wrist injury that required season-ending surgery.

Being a top QB in the league that missed more games than his elite peers does help Burrow stand out, but him winning the award would be historic. 31 times has the Comeback PotY award been given out, and 31 different players have earned the honor. No player has ever been a two-time winner of the award.

Should Burrow win it in 2024, he'd be the first two-time winner. That he's even in the conversation is a testament to his known ability, and the power of being a quarterback.

Burrow's had bad luck with injuries in the past, and the one he's recovering from right now is not an easy one . With luck, this is the last time he will be in the running for winning an award that usually follows missing significant time due to injury.

Related: NFL coach offers positive outlook on Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow's injury concerns