Once upon a time, the NFL Pro Bowl actually meant something. Not in a “win-or-go-home” kind of way, but in the sense that it reflected the best of the best - players who not only put up big numbers, but also earned the respect of their peers and coaches. There was real football, real effort (well, about 75% effort), and a real sense that this was a snapshot of who mattered most in a given season.
Fast forward to today, and the Pro Bowl has morphed into something entirely different. The full-contact game has been swapped out for a variety show - dodgeball, flag football, and skills competitions.
Entertaining? Sure.
But meaningful? That’s a harder sell.
And perhaps the most frustrating part isn’t the loss of the game itself - it’s that the rosters no longer feel like a true reflection of the NFL’s elite.
Case in point: Shedeur Sanders is a Pro Bowler this year. A talented young player, no doubt, but his selection raises eyebrows when you consider some of the names that were left off the initial list.
Let’s talk about two of those names - now Pro Bowlers thanks to some late roster shuffling: Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock. When Jalen Ramsey and Christian Gonzalez bowed out, the Houston Texans’ young defensive backs got the call. And frankly, it was long overdue.
Lassiter and Bullock have been cornerstones of what’s quietly become the best secondary in football. Paired with Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre, this group has been locking down opposing offenses all season.
Statistically, they’re neck-and-neck across the board. More importantly, they pass the eye test - consistently making plays in big moments, showing discipline in coverage, and flying to the football with purpose.
It’s baffling that Lassiter and Bullock didn’t get Pro Bowl nods out of the gate. Their tape speaks volumes.
Their production backs it up. And their impact on one of the league’s most improved defenses is undeniable.
With their inclusion, the Texans now boast six Pro Bowlers: Stingley, Lassiter, Bullock, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, wide receiver Nico Collins, and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. That’s a strong showing for a team that’s been building something special - and fast - in Houston.
Danielle Hunter also deserves a mention here. Another player who had a standout season but somehow didn’t make the initial cut. His omission only adds to the head-scratching nature of how these rosters are put together.
The Pro Bowl might not be what it once was, but recognition still matters - especially for players grinding all year to earn their spot among the league’s best. For Lassiter and Bullock, the nod may have come late, but it’s well deserved. And if you’ve been paying attention to what’s brewing in Houston, you know this won’t be the last time we see these names on an All-Star list.