The Pro Bowl used to be a badge of honor-a recognition reserved for the league’s elite. It meant something.
But over the years, the shine has worn off. And this year’s latest selection has fans across the AFC, especially in Pittsburgh, raising eyebrows and shaking their heads.
On Monday, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was named as a Pro Bowl alternate, stepping in for Drake Maye, who’s headed to the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. That puts Sanders alongside Josh Allen and Justin Herbert as the three quarterbacks representing the AFC in this year’s Pro Bowl Games.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t exactly the rookie campaign Sanders-or the Browns-had envisioned. In seven starts, he posted a 3-4 record, throwing seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
His completion rate hovered at 56.6%, and his adjusted yards per attempt came in at just 5.14. Those aren’t the kind of numbers you typically associate with Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback play.
Sanders struggled to consistently move the offense, with the Browns eclipsing 20 points just twice during his starts. His 68.1 passer rating and 18.9 QBR tell the story of a young quarterback still trying to find his footing at the NFL level. And yet, here he is-one of three AFC quarterbacks headed to the Pro Bowl Games.
Now, it’s worth noting that this isn’t about Sanders the person. He didn’t ask for this.
He didn’t campaign for it. He’s simply filling a spot left open by a player whose team is still chasing a Lombardi Trophy.
But it does raise a bigger question: what exactly does a Pro Bowl nod mean anymore?
Pittsburgh fans, in particular, have reason to feel a bit incredulous. Their own quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, helped guide the Steelers to a 10-6 record in his starts.
Statistically and situationally, there were more accomplished options available. So how did Sanders end up in this spot?
Were other quarterbacks unavailable? Did they turn down the invite?
That part remains unclear.
This isn’t the first time the Pro Bowl has left fans scratching their heads. Remember 2022, when Tyler Huntley was named a Pro Bowl alternate after throwing just two touchdown passes all season?
That moment marked a turning point for many. And in 2023, the NFL officially rebranded the event as “The Pro Bowl Games,” shifting the focus to skills competitions and a 7-on-7 flag football format.
The league has tried to breathe new life into the Pro Bowl, but decisions like this only add to the growing sentiment that the honor doesn’t carry the same weight it once did. It’s no longer a pure reflection of on-field excellence-it’s become a mix of availability, popularity, and sometimes, sheer circumstance.
For Shedeur Sanders, this is still a moment to be recognized. He’s a rookie, and any NFL experience-especially one in a spotlight event-can be valuable for growth. But for fans who remember what the Pro Bowl used to represent, this selection feels more like a punchline than a celebration.
And in Pittsburgh, where the rivalry with Cleveland runs deep, the reaction is predictable: laughter, disbelief, and a whole lot of “you’ve got to be kidding me.”