2025 ELF Honors Predictions: Comeback Player of the Year

The ELF’s comeback player of the year in a new category in this year’s 2025 ELF Honors. The award is defined as 

“This award recognizes a player who has made a strong return to the field after a significant setback. It is given to an athlete who has shown perseverance, determination, and exceptional performance following their comeback.”

With that in mind let’s meet some of the candidates that might be receiving this award:

Florian Bierbaumer - Vienna Vikings

The homegrown tight end battled injuries all last season and even this season but seems to have finally found his footing and been healthy the second half of this season. In only 7 games this year, the former NFL IPP prospect has 30 catches for 396 yards and an eye popping 9 touchdowns. 

Jon Cole - Fehervar Enthroners

Cole spent much of the 2024 season for the Munich Ravens on the injured reserve list. When he finally returned to play he was forced to play linebacker and defensive back instead of his usually position of wide receiver. 

This year after joining the Enthrones after 3 games, Cole has reintroduced himself to the league as a dynamic playmaker at the receiver position. Through only 7 games Cole has 78 catches for 881 yards (3rd in the league) and 9 scores. He’s also affected the game as a returner with 795 yards.

Javarian Smith - Prague Lions

The former Hamburg Sea Devils quarterback has been a steady hand behind center for the Prague Lions this season as they have had their best season in Franchise history. 

After being released from the Sea Devils mid-way through 2024, Smith bounced back with his best season throwing for 1522 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for another 410 yards and 6 scores. 

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