When the 2025 NFL season wrapped up, few would’ve guessed that Shedeur Sanders would be suiting up for the Pro Bowl. But here we are. The Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback got the call as a replacement for Drake Maye, earning a spot in the league’s all-star showcase despite a rocky debut campaign.
Sanders’ rookie year was a mixed bag-flashes of promise, plenty of growing pains, and a final stat line that doesn’t exactly scream “Pro Bowler.” He played in just eight games, went 3-4 as a starter, and threw more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (7).
Still, he showed just enough in spots-like a standout performance against the Titans-to give Browns fans something to build on heading into 2026. That said, his Pro Bowl selection will likely go down as one of the more surprising nods in recent memory.
And that puts Sanders in a unique club: quarterbacks whose Pro Bowl appearances raised more eyebrows than applause. With that in mind, let’s take a look at six of the most questionable Pro Bowl QB selections in NFL history-players who made it to the league’s elite game despite seasons that didn’t quite measure up.
6. Pat Haden - Los Angeles Rams, 1977
In just his second year, Pat Haden stepped in for a fading Joe Namath and helped guide the Rams to a playoff berth. He went 8-2 as a starter and earned a Pro Bowl nod.
But the numbers? Modest at best.
He threw for 1,551 yards with 11 touchdowns and six picks. His passer rating of 84.5 was solid for the era, and he added a bit on the ground with 106 rushing yards and two scores.
Still, this was one of only two seasons in which Haden threw more touchdowns than interceptions. His leadership and the Rams’ success likely carried more weight than his stat line.
5. Vince Young - Tennessee Titans, 2009
Vince Young made two Pro Bowls in his career, but neither came during a season that screamed “elite quarterback play.” In 2009, Young returned to the starting role midseason and led the Titans to an 8-2 record down the stretch.
But he threw for just 1,879 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His passer rating was 82.8, and while he added 281 rushing yards and two scores on the ground, it was a far cry from his electrifying rookie season.
His leadership and win-loss record helped his case, but the production didn’t match the honor.
4. Kerry Collins - Carolina Panthers, 1996
Collins is a two-time Pro Bowler, but his 1996 selection with the Panthers stands out as particularly questionable. He completed just 56% of his passes for 2,454 yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
His passer rating was under 80, yet the Panthers made a deep playoff run, reaching the NFC Championship Game in just their second year as a franchise. Collins’ role in that success likely boosted his Pro Bowl candidacy, even if the numbers didn’t.
3. Shedeur Sanders - Cleveland Browns, 2025
Sanders' rookie season was a trial by fire. He completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
His passer rating was just 68.1, and while he added 169 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, it was clear he was still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL. Still, he showed poise in spots and helped the Browns to three wins in their final seven games.
That was enough to earn a Pro Bowl nod as a replacement-though many would argue it was more about availability than performance.
2. Tyler Huntley - Baltimore Ravens, 2022
Huntley’s 2022 Pro Bowl selection caught just about everyone off guard. He played in only six games, started four, and threw for 658 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
His 67% completion rate was solid, but the overall production was minimal. He added 137 rushing yards and a score, and helped the Ravens secure a Wild Card spot while filling in for Lamar Jackson.
Still, with just three total touchdowns on the season, his Pro Bowl appearance felt more like a scheduling necessity than a reward for standout play.
1. Mike Boryla - Philadelphia Eagles, 1975
Topping the list is Mike Boryla, whose 1975 season remains the gold standard for head-scratching Pro Bowl selections. He played in just seven games, threw for 966 yards, six touchdowns, and a staggering 12 interceptions.
His completion percentage was 52.4%, and his passer rating was a brutal 52.7. The Eagles finished 4-10, and Boryla ranked 30th in passing yards.
Yet somehow, he found himself in the Pro Bowl. Even by 1970s standards, this one remains baffling.
Final Thoughts
The Pro Bowl has always been a mix of fan votes, peer recognition, and-let’s be honest-availability. Injuries, opt-outs, and playoff commitments often open the door for replacements, which can lead to some curious inclusions. For Shedeur Sanders, his 2025 selection might not reflect a dominant rookie campaign, but it does offer a glimpse of his potential-and a reminder that even the NFL’s all-star game isn’t immune to a few surprises.