The Pro Bowl Games are right around the corner, and once again, Joe Thuney is headed to the NFL’s all-star showcase. The former NC State standout continues to build on what’s been an exceptional professional career, earning his fourth straight Pro Bowl nod - and this time, he’ll be representing the NFC after an offseason trade sent him from Kansas City to Chicago.
At 33 years old and in his 11th NFL season, Thuney is still playing some of the best football of his life. Whether it’s anchoring a pass protection scheme or paving lanes in the run game, he remains one of the most technically sound and respected offensive linemen in the league. His consistency, durability, and football IQ have made him a cornerstone on every line he’s played on - and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
A Legacy of Pro Bowl Talent from NC State
Thuney’s latest honor adds another chapter to NC State’s proud NFL legacy. He becomes one of just 15 former Wolfpack players to be named to a Pro Bowl, joining an elite group that spans generations and positions. Some of the names on this list are etched into NFL history books.
- Russell Wilson leads the pack with 10 Pro Bowl selections, a run that spanned from 2012 through 2024.
- Philip Rivers isn’t far behind with eight, showcasing the quarterback pedigree that’s come out of Raleigh.
- Torry Holt, one of the smoothest route runners of his era, made it seven times.
- On the defensive side, Adrian Wilson and Mike Quick each earned five nods, while Mario Williams and Vaughan Johnson grabbed four apiece.
- Roman Gabriel, a pioneer at quarterback in the late ’60s and early ’70s, also made it four times.
- And now, Joe Thuney joins that four-time club, with a real shot to climb even higher.
Other notable names include AJ Cole III (3 selections), Haywood Jeffires (3), Darrell Dess (2), Alex Webster (2), Bradley Chubb (2), and Jim Ritcher (1). It’s a list that reflects both the depth and longevity of NC State’s NFL pipeline.
Who’s Next?
The future of NC State’s Pro Bowl presence looks promising, with several players either in their prime or just entering it.
AJ Cole III has quietly become one of the league’s top punters. He’s already been to the Pro Bowl three times, and if he maintains his form, he could easily add a few more to his résumé.
Bradley Chubb, meanwhile, bounced back in a big way this season. After missing all of 2024 with a torn ACL, he returned with a vengeance, finishing the year with 47 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 20 quarterback hits.
That’s not just a comeback - that’s a level of production that outpaces his previous Pro Bowl campaigns. If he stays healthy, Chubb could be a fixture in future Pro Bowl conversations.
Then there’s the next wave. Payton Wilson and Drake Thomas, both young linebackers with high motors and playmaking instincts, are trending in the right direction. If their development continues, it’s only a matter of time before they join the Pro Bowl ranks.
Thuney’s Still Setting the Standard
Back to Thuney - his journey from NC State All-American to four-time Pro Bowler is a blueprint for sustained excellence. He’s not flashy, but ask any coach or teammate, and they’ll tell you: he’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better. Whether it was protecting Patrick Mahomes during Super Bowl runs or now bringing veteran leadership to Chicago’s line, Thuney’s impact goes beyond stats.
And while Russell Wilson may be nearing the twilight of his Pro Bowl days, Thuney’s arrow is still pointing up. If he keeps playing at this level, there’s no reason he can’t add a fifth - or sixth - Pro Bowl to his name.
For NC State fans, that’s something to be proud of. And for the rest of the NFL, it’s a reminder: the Wolfpack keeps producing elite talent, year after year.