Derrick Brown’s Pro Bowl Snub Stings - But He’s Turning the Disrespect Into Fuel
Derrick Brown has been here before - standing in front of his locker, trying to make sense of a snub that doesn’t quite add up. Two years ago, it was the same story: dominant play on the field, recognition from teammates and coaches, and yet, no Pro Bowl nod. And now, here we are again.
This one still stings.
On Tuesday morning, the NFL rolled out its Pro Bowl Games rosters, the league’s annual all-star showcase. It’s a milestone that means something - a badge of honor that reflects the respect of fans, peers, and coaches alike. But despite a season that’s been called “dominant” by just about everyone inside the Panthers’ building - and plenty outside of it - Brown’s name wasn’t on the list.
Standing in front of his locker, Brown didn’t hide his disappointment.
“I was disappointed, being the competitor I am,” he said. “I want the opportunity to represent my team in the Pro Bowl.
It’s one of those things. I guess my peers and (other) coaches don’t think I’m good enough to be in there.
So I’ll take that with a grain of salt and just keep working.”
That’s not just frustration - that’s fuel. And Brown made it clear: he’s got plenty of it.
“Yeah, I mean, it definitely ignites me,” he said. “I’m a competitor, for sure.”
Brown’s Numbers Tell the Story - Even If the Votes Didn’t
Let’s talk about what Brown has actually done this season.
He’s racked up 54 tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble - all while commanding double teams and dictating where the offense goes on a weekly basis. He leads all NFL defensive linemen in pass deflections with seven.
And here’s the kicker: Brown is the only defensive lineman in the league with at least five sacks and seven passes defended this year. That’s rare air, especially for an interior lineman.
All of this comes just one season removed from a knee injury that limited him to a single game in 2024. Brown not only bounced back - he came back better, stronger, and more disruptive than ever.
And yet, no Pro Bowl.
This isn’t the first time Brown’s been overlooked. In 2023, he was left off the initial Pro Bowl roster despite a record-breaking season.
He eventually made it in as an alternate, but this year, that door is closed. There won’t be alternates for offensive or defensive linemen this time around.
That’s left more than a few people scratching their heads inside Bank of America Stadium.
“It’s not going to knock my confidence down any,” Brown said. “They still gotta stop that [expletive] on Sundays, so it is what it is.”
Teammates and Coaches Are Just as Baffled
Brown’s not the only one feeling the sting. His teammates, coaches, and fans are right there with him.
The fan vote certainly reflected the respect he’s earned - Brown finished third among defensive linemen. But the Pro Bowl selection process is a three-pronged system: one-third fans, one-third players, one-third coaches. And somewhere in that equation, Brown got lost in the shuffle.
Veteran defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson didn’t hold back.
“It’s just crazy to see that he’s not in there,” Robinson said. “They snubbed him. Hopefully, when we finish the year out, they’ll put him on All-Pro, like he should be.”
Panthers head coach Dave Canales echoed that sentiment, calling Brown’s season “dominant football play.”
“A guy that stands for everything we believe in, and a guy that’s disruptive in every way shape and form - coming up with sacks this year, certainly against the run game,” Canales said. “He certainly is recognized by his teammates and by his peers, the people he plays against.”
Jaycee Horn Gets the Nod - And Deserves It
The Panthers did have one player make the Pro Bowl cut: cornerback Jaycee Horn. And he earned every bit of it.
Horn’s got a career-high five interceptions - second-most in the NFL - along with 35 tackles and eight passes defended. But the stat that jumps off the page?
Horn has been targeted on just 12.4% of his coverage snaps as an outside corner. That’s the 10th-lowest rate in the league among players with at least 400 snaps outside.
Translation: quarterbacks are actively avoiding him.
Canales and general manager Dan Morgan delivered the Pro Bowl news to Horn over the phone, and the head coach made it clear: this recognition is the result of relentless work.
“I see how hard he’s working on his body, on his mind, getting himself ready for game day,” Canales said. “And it’s all paying off.”
Around the Building: Injury Notes and a Fun Stat
The Panthers held a walk-through on Tuesday, with no major injury updates. Offensive lineman Robert Hunt was spotted on the turf, and the team is expected to decide Wednesday whether to open his 21-day practice window.
And here’s a stat worth chewing on: the Seahawks currently hold the best record in the NFC. The Panthers? They’re 2-0 this season when facing the top team in the conference - beating the Packers in Week 9 and the Rams in Week 13.
Final Word
Derrick Brown may not have the Pro Bowl label next to his name this year, but make no mistake - his impact has been felt across the league. The tape doesn’t lie.
The stats don’t lie. And his teammates, coaches, and fans know exactly what kind of season he’s had.
If anything, this snub might just be the spark that takes Brown’s game to another level. And for every offensive lineman lining up across from him the rest of the way?
Good luck.