Buffalo Bills Land Three on AFC Pro Bowl Roster, Headlined by Josh Allen’s Fourth Selection
The Pro Bowl rosters are set, and while the event has evolved far beyond its original form - now more flag football and skills showcase than full-contact game - the honor of being named still carries weight. For the Buffalo Bills, three key offensive players earned their way onto the AFC squad: quarterback Josh Allen, running back James Cook, and left tackle Dion Dawkins.
Let’s break it down.
Josh Allen: Still the Face of Buffalo
Josh Allen continues to cement his place among the Bills’ all-time greats. With his fourth Pro Bowl nod, he now trails only Jack Kemp (six) and Jim Kelly (five) in franchise history.
That’s elite company, and Allen’s numbers - both on the field and in the fan vote - back it up. He pulled in 263,127 votes, second only to Travis Kelce’s massive total.
That’s right - only Kelce, the NFL’s most recognizable tight end, drew more support.
Allen edged out Patriots rookie Drake Maye by just a few thousand votes, which speaks to how competitive the quarterback field was this year. Also in the top five: Caleb Williams (Chicago), Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City), and Matthew Stafford (Rams), who’s currently leading the MVP conversation. It’s a stacked group, and Allen’s inclusion reflects both his production and his growing stature across the league.
James Cook: NFL’s Leading Rusher, Yet Sixth in Voting?
James Cook’s third Pro Bowl selection ties him with Joe Cribbs and LeSean McCoy for third-most among Bills running backs, trailing only legends O.J. Simpson (six) and Thurman Thomas (five). But here’s the head-scratcher: Cook is the NFL’s leading rusher - and yet he finished sixth among running backs in Pro Bowl voting.
That’s not a typo.
He was beaten out by DeAndre Swift (Bears), Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions), Jonathan Taylor (Colts), Christian McCaffrey (49ers), and Bijan Robinson (Falcons). All talented backs, no doubt, but it’s hard not to raise an eyebrow when the league’s top ground gainer lands outside the top five. It’s a reminder that while the Pro Bowl is a recognition of performance, it’s also a popularity contest - and sometimes, the numbers don’t tell the full voting story.
Dion Dawkins: The Anchor Up Front
Dion Dawkins continues to be a rock on Buffalo’s offensive line, and his fifth Pro Bowl selection puts him in rare air among Bills linemen. The last time a Buffalo O-lineman had this kind of consistency was Ruben Brown, who made eight straight Pro Bowls from 1996 to 2003.
Dawkins finished seventh among tackles in voting, which speaks more to the depth of talent at the position than any knock on his performance. What’s more surprising is who didn’t make the cut - right tackle Spencer Brown. Many inside the organization and around the league view Brown as Buffalo’s best offensive lineman this season, yet he didn’t crack the top 10 in votes at his position.
Other Notables: Just Outside the Spotlight
A handful of other Bills players landed inside the top 10 at their respective positions, even if they didn’t get the final Pro Bowl call.
- Connor McGovern finished fifth among centers.
- Reggie Gilliam came in fourth among fullbacks.
- Cole Bishop was sixth among strong safeties.
- Ray Davis placed eighth among return specialists.
While these players won’t be suiting up for the AFC in February, their presence in the voting shows the respect they’ve earned across the league.
The Bigger Picture
The Pro Bowl may not be the gridiron showdown it once was, but for players, it still matters. It’s a sign of recognition - from fans, coaches, and peers alike. And for the Bills, having three offensive players make the cut is a testament to the unit’s continued impact in a season where expectations have remained sky-high.
Allen, Cook, and Dawkins didn’t just show up - they showed out. And come February, they’ll represent Buffalo on one of the NFL’s biggest offseason stages.