From the insurance business to the Arena League to the ill-fated XFL to Steelers backup duty to sudden stardom to a frightening night in a Tennessee hospital to the playoffs.
To this: Tommy Maddox, NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
It took seven teams, three leagues and 10 years since he first got drafted, but Maddox officially became an NFL Star (Resurrected Variety) yesterday when The Associated Press awarded him this testament to resiliency, strength and determination.
Half of a panel of 48 sports writers and broadcasters covering the NFL voted for the Steelers' starting quarterback. Second with 14 votes was Miami backup running back Robert Edwards, who missed three seasons after a knee injury in a beach football game at the 1999 Pro Bowl. Buffalo quarterback Drew Bledsoe got nine votes and Ravens running back Jamal Lewis two. Carolina quarterback Rodney Peete, Indianapolis running back Edgerrin James and Jacksonville running back Fred Taylor each received a vote.
Maddox, 31, is the first Steelers player to win the award.
Perhaps it was fitting the honor came three days before he and the Steelers (10-5-1) open the playoffs Sunday at Heinz Field against the Cleveland Browns (9-7) -- the same place and team that, on Sept. 29, inaugurated the comeback of this former Denver, St. Louis, Giants, Atlanta (in training camp), New Jersey Red Dogs (Arenaball) and Los Angeles Xtreme (XFL) quarterback. Maddox replaced Kordell Stewart late in the fourth quarter and directed the Steelers to an overtime victory, the start of his 8-3-1 mark this season as the Steelers' starter.
"It's taken 10 years to get here, and I'm going to enjoy it and savor every moment I can," Maddox said of the playoffs.
"Obviously, it's different this time. I was excited about our situation last year and trying to make a run for the Super Bowl. I'm still excited about that. It takes on a different meaning because I'm going to go out there and play. It's even more special than last year. I'm looking forward to getting out there and getting this thing started."
The former XFL MVP, who was signed as a fourth quarterback in the summer of 2001 and became the backup to Pro Bowl-bound Stewart, finished this season passing for 2,990 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also etched his name all over the Steelers' record book. He broke the team marks for highest completion percentage in a season (62.1), passing yards in a game (473 against Atlanta) and pass attempts in a game (57 against Houston). He also combined with Stewart and receiver Antwaan Randle El to establish team records for total passing yardage (4,036) and completion percentage (63.5).
Chuck Finder can be reached at cfinder@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1724. Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com or 412-263-3878.
Steelers' Maddox honored by AP; receives award as comeback player 
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