The Pittsburgh Steelers will head into the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games with two players officially representing the team, after veteran defensive back Jalen Ramsey withdrew from participation. The event, which takes place during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX in San Francisco, marks a shift in format this year - for the first time, it’ll be held in a studio setting rather than a traditional football stadium.
That leaves outside linebacker T.J. Watt and special teamer Ben Skowronek as the Steelers’ remaining Pro Bowl representatives on the AFC roster. Connor Heyward was named an alternate at fullback, but with Ravens mainstay Patrick Ricard expected to suit up, Heyward’s chances of joining the festivities appear slim.
Ramsey’s selection capped off a strong debut season in Pittsburgh - one that saw him wear multiple hats in the Steelers’ secondary. He opened the year playing in the slot, shifted outside when needed, and eventually settled in at safety following a knee injury to DeShon Elliott.
That move proved pivotal. Ramsey’s versatility and leadership helped stabilize a reshuffled defensive backfield, and his presence on the back end gave the Steelers a veteran anchor in a season full of moving parts.
This latest Pro Bowl nod was the eighth of Ramsey’s career - a testament to his sustained excellence across multiple teams and roles. He earned selections with the Jaguars in 2017 and 2018, made four straight appearances with the Rams from 2019 to 2022, and added another with the Dolphins in 2023 before landing in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers acquired Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith in a trade with Miami last offseason, sending safety Minkah Fitzpatrick the other way. In a bit of irony, it was Ramsey - not Fitzpatrick - who ended up getting the Pro Bowl nod this season. That swap has already had ripple effects on both sides, and it’ll be worth watching how it plays out in the long term.
With Ramsey stepping aside, Houston Texans rookie safety Calen Bullock will take his spot on the AFC roster. Bullock’s addition brings fresh energy to a Pro Bowl that’s leaning younger and more experimental this year, especially with the new studio format.
Looking ahead, Ramsey’s future in Pittsburgh has a few question marks. While he has three years left on his current deal, there’s no guaranteed money remaining.
That changes in March, when $3.5 million of his 2026 salary becomes guaranteed. He’s also due a $7.4 million option bonus in August - a key financial marker that could shape the Steelers’ offseason plans.
For now, though, the Steelers will take pride in their two Pro Bowlers - Watt, who continues to be a force off the edge, and Skowronek, who carved out a niche as a special teams standout. Ramsey’s absence is notable, but his impact on the 2025 campaign won’t be forgotten anytime soon.