Updated

Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year Saturday, as voted by the Associated Press.

Stafford, who threw for a career-high 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns against 16 interceptions in 2011, led the Lions to a 10-6 record and their first playoff berth since 1999. Detroit lost to New Orleans in the wild card round.

Stafford obtained 21 votes to outdistance Cleveland linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, San Francisco QB Alex Smith, Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith, along with Denver defensive end Elvis Dumervil, New England defensive end Andre Carter and New York Giants QB Eli Manning.