Pro Bowl Voting Highlights Shedeur Sanders’ Popularity, But Bo Nix Deserves More Respect
The latest round of Pro Bowl fan voting is in, and it’s sparked some interesting conversations around the league-especially in Denver and Cleveland. Despite starting just four games this season, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is sitting tenth in Pro Bowl votes among AFC quarterbacks.
Yes, tenth. That’s ahead of Bo Nix, the second-year signal-caller for the Broncos who just so happens to be leading the best team in the NFL.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a knock on Sanders. His popularity has been undeniable since his days at Colorado, and that star power has clearly followed him to the pros. But when it comes to on-field performance, there’s a pretty strong case to be made that Nix deserves more recognition-especially from fans.
Nix’s Numbers Speak for Themselves
Bo Nix isn’t just managing games-he’s elevating a franchise. After years of playoff drought, the Broncos are headed to the postseason for the second straight year, and Nix has been a major reason why.
He’s thrown for 3,256 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions. Add in 254 rushing yards and four more scores with his legs, and you’re looking at a quarterback who’s doing it all.
What’s even more impressive? His efficiency.
Nix has only been sacked 16 times this season, a testament to both his quick decision-making and improved pocket awareness. He’s playing smart, clean football-exactly what you want from a young quarterback in a playoff push.
Sanders Shows Promise, But It’s Early
On the other side, Shedeur Sanders has finally started getting some real reps in Cleveland, and he’s shown flashes. In five appearances (four starts), he’s thrown for 946 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions. He’s added 74 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, and he’s been sacked 13 times.
There’s clearly talent there-no one’s denying that. Sanders was a standout in college and earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors for a reason.
But his NFL résumé is still in its infancy. The Browns are 3-11, and while Sanders is gaining valuable experience, he’s not yet producing at a level that typically earns Pro Bowl nods.
Popularity vs. Performance
So how did Sanders end up ahead of Nix in the voting? Simple: fan popularity.
The Pro Bowl fan vote has always been a bit of a popularity contest, and Sanders’ name still carries weight from his college days and high-profile transition to the NFL. He’s a magnetic personality with a massive following, and that’s showing up in the polls.
But for Broncos fans-and really, for anyone watching the AFC playoff race-it’s hard not to feel like Bo Nix is being overlooked. He’s not just riding the coattails of a strong defense or a dominant run game. He’s been the engine of Denver’s offense, showing poise, maturity, and the ability to make big plays in big moments.
The Road Ahead
With quarterbacks like Drake Maye, Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford, Dak Prescott, Jordan Love, Caleb Williams, Jared Goff, and Sam Darnold all ahead of Sanders in voting, the odds are long for either Sanders or Nix to make the Pro Bowl via the fan vote. But there’s still a path for Nix to earn a nod based on merit, especially if injury replacements or Super Bowl-bound players open up spots.
And speaking of the Super Bowl-that’s where Nix has his eyes. If Denver keeps rolling, Pro Bowl recognition might take a backseat to something even bigger. For now, though, it’s worth acknowledging just how far Nix has come-and wondering when the rest of the football world will catch up.
The Pro Bowl voting may not tell the full story, but the tape does. And right now, Bo Nix is writing a compelling one.