Jaycee Horn Earns Second Straight Pro Bowl Nod, Anchors Panthers’ Defensive Rise
In a season where the Carolina Panthers are clawing their way toward relevance, Jaycee Horn has emerged as a cornerstone - and the league has taken notice.
The fifth-year cornerback has been selected to his second consecutive Pro Bowl, one of just four NFC corners to earn the honor this year. Horn joins an elite group that includes the Eagles’ Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, along with Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon. And make no mistake - Horn belongs in that company.
With five interceptions on the year, Horn ranks second in the NFL, a testament to both his ball skills and his ability to read opposing quarterbacks. But it’s not just the numbers - it’s the impact.
Horn has delivered two multi-interception games this season, the kind of performances that swing momentum and define outcomes. And just last week, he came up with a game-saving tackle in a tight win over the Buccaneers, showing once again that his value goes beyond the stat sheet.
At 26, Horn is right in his prime - a former first-round pick out of South Carolina who’s developed into the lockdown defender the Panthers hoped he’d become. He’s physical at the line, fluid in coverage, and fearless when the ball’s in the air. That combination has made him a nightmare for opposing wideouts and a bright spot in a Carolina defense that’s quietly building something.
This Pro Bowl selection is another milestone in what’s been a breakout stretch for Horn. After a strong 2024 campaign, he landed a four-year, $100 million extension in March - briefly becoming the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.
That deal raised eyebrows at the time, but Horn’s 2025 performance has more than justified it. He’s not just earning that contract - he’s setting the tone for a defense trying to lead the Panthers out of a seven-year playoff drought.
Horn was the lone Panther to crack the Pro Bowl roster this year, despite strong seasons from others on the roster. A standout defensive lineman was left off the list entirely, while running back Rico Dowdle and rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan were reportedly named as alternates. Still, Horn’s selection gives Carolina fans something to cheer about - and a reminder that the foundation for future success is already in place.
After the announcement, Horn kept it simple on social media: “Blessings! Praise to the most high.” A fitting message from a player who’s let his play do most of the talking all season long.
The Pro Bowl flag football game will be held in the San Francisco area - the same region hosting Super Bowl LX - on Tuesday night, February 3. And while Horn would probably rather be prepping for the big game itself, his presence in the Pro Bowl is a well-earned recognition of a season defined by elite play and leadership on the rise.