GARRISON HEARST NAMED NFL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Garrison Hearst has been named the winner of The Associated Press NFL Comeback Player of the Year, it was announced today. Hearst received 47 of the 50 votes from national football writers.

Hearst, in his ninth-year out of Georgia, has battled back from an ankle injury that was thought to be career-threatening. He has missed the past two seasons and has endured five surgeries on his ankle. Hearst has fought back to become the only player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards after a two-year layoff.

Hearst earned his second career Pro Bowl selection after finishing fifth in the NFC in rushing yards in 2001. Hearst finished the regular season with 1,206 yards rushing on 252 carries and scored four touchdowns. The former Georgia Bulldog and the 49ers are heading back to the playoff this season, the first time since 1998, which was the last time Hearst was in uniform for the 49ers. The 49ers are 35-10 in the regular season since 1997 when he is in the lineup.

This is the second time Hearst has been named NFL Comeback Player of the Year, but the first time he has been named by The Associated Press. Hearst also earned the Victor Award as NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1995 after returning from a severe knee injury.

The Associated Press NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award was established in 1998. QB Doug Flutie (Buffalo) won the inaugural award in 1998, followed by Hearst’s teammate DT Bryant Young, who won the award in 1999. DE Joe Johnson (New Orleans) won the award last year. The 49ers are the only team to have two players receive the honor.

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