NFL fans question Damar Hamlin having most Pro Bowl votes for an AFC free safety: "Dude is not even in the top 20" 

Buffalo Bills star Damar Hamlin's popularity skyrocketed after his inspiring comeback following the cardiac arrest he suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2022 NFL season. Nearly two years since the harrowing incident, the safety's stock among fans hasn't diminished in the slightest, evidenced by the Pro Bowl voting.

Hamlin is the top vote-getter among players in his position after one week of voting and could represent the AFC at Camping World Stadium in February, provided he won't be busy preparing to play in the Super Bowl with the Bills.

While most fans were glad to see him leading the voting charts, some were perplexed about it and voiced their discontentment about it on X:

"This dude is not even in the top 20 of safeties in NFL. It is a great story and he will get votes because he is alive, but he doesn’t deserve a Pro Bowl nod."

"Elite ?!?! I’m a huge Buffalo Bills fan but even I can tell you he is Not elite not in the top 10. He is getting better but not elite," one fan said.

"Pro Bowl voters don't know Ball it seems," another fan commented.

Even a handful of Bills fans suggested that Damar Hamlin's inspiring comeback has blinded voters, who weren't being objective:

"He's had a good year but nothing award deserving" - Claimed @TreGotPacked

"Good for Damar but f**k that lame a*s popularity contest! At the end, the teams will be full of hurt players or players that didn’t do anything, just voted on by name" - Opined @Rubio_who_dis

"Love Damar, but this proves that fans should not be voting." - Believes @AFCE4INAROW

Damar Hamlin stats: Is safety worthy of a Pro Bowl nod?

Damar Hamlin's stats are nothing to write home about. According to Pro Football Focus, his 61 solo tackles rank 10th in the NFL among safeties, and he has allowed 16 catches on 23 targets, which isn't particularly impressive.

He does have two interceptions (the only two of his career) and five passes defended, but it's far from Pro Bowl-worthy. There's credence to the theory that he's leading the voting due to his comeback and he likely wouldn't have made it otherwise.

However, Hamlin has been pretty solid for a Bills defense that ranks sixth in the league in points allowed with 18.7. The safety has featured in all 12 games this season and is a reliable contributor.

For a player to bounce back from a brush with death and become a critical member of a team vying to win the Super Bowl is extremely commendable and bound to swing votes in his favor.

All things considered, despite it irking some fans, Damar Hamlin earning a spot on the AFC's Pro Bowl roster would be a well-deserved honor.