The NFL dropped its Pro Bowl rosters on Tuesday morning, and three Buffalo Bills are heading into the holidays with a little extra shine on their résumés. Quarterback Josh Allen, running back James Cook III, and left tackle Dion Dawkins have all earned Pro Bowl nods - a testament to their standout seasons and the Bills’ continued presence among the AFC’s elite.
Let’s start with Allen. This marks his fourth Pro Bowl selection - a milestone that puts him in rare company among Bills quarterbacks.
Only Jack Kemp (six) and Jim Kelly (five) have more in franchise history. While Allen has historically opted for the golf course over Pro Bowl festivities, the honor still speaks volumes about his impact.
He’s once again been the engine of Buffalo’s offense, blending arm talent, mobility, and leadership in a way few quarterbacks in the league can match. Whether or not he suits up for the Pro Bowl Games, his presence on this list is well-earned.
Then there’s James Cook III, who’s quietly turned in one of the most productive seasons of any running back in the league. Through Week 16, Cook leads the NFL in rushing yards with 1,532 and has racked up nine 100-yard rushing games - more than anyone else this season.
Add 12 rushing touchdowns to the mix, and you’ve got a back who’s not just explosive, but consistently dominant. This is Cook’s third Pro Bowl selection, and it feels like he’s just getting started.
His ability to hit the hole with burst, make defenders miss in space, and contribute as a pass-catcher has made him a true three-down threat.
On the offensive line, Dion Dawkins continues to be the rock on the left side. His fifth Pro Bowl selection cements his status as one of the league’s premier tackles - and makes him the first Bills offensive lineman to earn five Pro Bowl nods since Ruben Brown.
That’s elite company. Dawkins has been a steady presence all year, but his recent performance might be his most impressive yet.
After battling a flu that cost him 14 pounds in a week, he lined up across from Myles Garrett - one of the most feared edge rushers in football - and held his own. That’s the kind of grit and toughness that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet, but it’s exactly why he’s so respected around the league.
Off the field, Dawkins is making just as big an impact. He was honored with a key to the City of Buffalo and is a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award - one of the NFL’s highest honors for community service. It’s been a banner year for No. 73 in every sense.
Now, while the Pro Bowl Games aren’t the old-school AFC vs. NFC showdown anymore, they still matter.
They’re a marker of individual excellence - and for many players, they trigger contract bonuses that reflect that recognition. These days, the Pro Bowl is more about skill competitions and flag football than full-contact action, but the prestige remains.
It’s a celebration of the league’s best.
This year’s Pro Bowl Games will take place on Tuesday, February 3, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. And when the AFC takes the field - or the turf, or the obstacle course - Buffalo will be well represented.