After a successful return from a fractured leg, Aidan Hutchinson is up for two major NFL awards.
It was announced Thursday by the Associated Press that Hutchinson is one of five finalists for both Defensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year.
Defensive Player of the Year will undoubtedly go to Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett, who broke the NFL single-season record with 23.0 sacks. The other candidates are fellow pass rushers Will Anderson Jr. of the Texans, Nik Bonitto of the Broncos and Micah Parsons of the Packers.
And Comeback Player of the Year will almost certainly go to 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, who piled up 2,126 yards and 17 touchdowns from scrimmage after missing most of last season with Achilles, calf and knee injuries.
Hutchinson did have a terrific season after a devastating injury in October of 2024. He finished fourth in the NFL with a career-high 14.5 sacks and first with 100 quarterback pressures, per PFF. He also led all defensive linemen in snaps.
The other candidates for Comeback Player of the Year are quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence of the Jaguars and Dak Prescott of the Cowboys and Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Hutchinson was the only Lion nominated for a major end-of-the year award.
Detroit's former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is a finalist for Coach of the Year, alongside Mike Macdonald of the Seahawks, Mike Vrabel of the Patriots, Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers and Liam Coen of the Jaguars.
Former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is a finalist for MVP, up against McCaffrey, Lawrence, Josh Allen of the Bills and Drake Maye of the Patriots.