Tee Higgins is heading to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career - and it’s a well-earned nod for a receiver who gave everything he had in a tough season for the Bengals.
Originally named a second-team alternate, Higgins will now replace Ravens rookie standout Zay Flowers on the AFC roster for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games in San Francisco. He’ll join teammate Ja’Marr Chase, giving Cincinnati a strong presence in the AFC’s receiving corps.
At 27 and in his sixth NFL season, Higgins is finally getting the recognition that’s eluded him in years past. And while the Bengals’ 2025 campaign didn’t end in playoff football, Higgins’ individual performance - and his commitment to finishing the season strong - stood out.
After signing a four-year extension with the Bengals in March 2025, the expectation was that Higgins would continue to be a central piece in the offense. He delivered.
Despite missing two games with a concussion and dealing with symptoms throughout the year, Higgins suited up in 15 games and made the most of them. He hauled in 59 catches on 98 targets for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns - a career-high in trips to the end zone.
What made his season even more impressive was the context. With the Bengals officially out of playoff contention late in the year, Higgins could’ve easily shut it down.
Instead, he chose to keep playing - and playing hard. That kind of effort doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet, but it speaks volumes in locker rooms and front offices across the league.
Now, he’ll get his reward: a trip to San Francisco for the league’s reimagined Pro Bowl Games. The event, which now features a mix of skills competitions and a 7-on-7 flag football game, will take place on February 3 at the Moscone Center. ESPN will carry the broadcast.
For Higgins, it’s a moment that’s been a long time coming - and for Bengals fans, it’s another reminder of the kind of player they’ve got in No. 85: tough, talented, and always ready to compete.