The reveal of the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl rosters sparked immediate debates about the league’s selection process, as several superstar players were shockingly omitted despite delivering elite performances all season long. While the Pro Bowl aims to celebrate the best of the best, it’s clear that the voting system remains flawed when these game-changers are left watching from home.
Glaring Omissions: The Biggest 2025 Pro Bowl Snubs
Let’s start with the most egregious absences from this year’s Pro Bowl rosters:
A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Despite outperforming Washington’s Terry McLaurin in virtually every statistical category, the Eagles star wideout was snubbed in favor of a bigger name. Brown’s game-breaking plays and unrivaled efficiency should have punched his ticket to the Pro Bowl.
“A.J. Brown not making the Pro Bowl is a travesty. He’s been unstoppable all year long.” – Anonymous NFC coach
Kerby Joseph, S, Detroit Lions
The ball-hawking Lions safety made more game-changing plays than the Packers’ Xavier McKinney, yet voters opted for the bigger market player. Joseph’s nine interceptions were integral to Detroit’s resurgent defense.
Zach Allen, DT, Denver Broncos
Anchoring the league’s top defense, Allen was an absolute force in the trenches. His 8.5 sacks and 16% pass rush win rate should have easily earned him a Pro Bowl nod over Baltimore’s Nnamdi Madubuike.
Worthy Candidates: Players with Strong Pro Bowl Cases
While not as blatant as the “should be in” tier, these players also have legitimate gripes for being passed over:
- Christian Benford, CB, Buffalo Bills – Allowed a miniscule 0.7 yards per coverage snap.
- Daiyan Henley, LB, Los Angeles Chargers – Excelled in coverage on a defense built around his unique skills.
- Leonard Williams, DT, Seattle Seahawks – Disruptive force with 9 sacks and 15 TFLs.
- Chase Young, DE, New Orleans Saints – Bounced back with 16.5% pressure rate.
Victims of Circumstance: Elite Players Squeezed Out
Finally, these standouts would be shoo-ins most years if not for loaded position groups in their conference:
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Despite missing time, Nacua’s absurd efficiency – 3.7 yards/route run, 2nd highest since 2023 – nearly got him in. A bigger name and he’s there.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If not for so many young NFC stars, Mayfield’s resurgent season (70%+ completions, 40 TD) is Pro Bowl-worthy. Just the odd man out.
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers
Totaled nearly 1,400 yards and 4.7 per touch on a bad offense. Saquon and JJ locked down spots, but Hubbard has a real case too.
The 2025 Pro Bowl rosters remind us that the selection process remains an inexact science, one that still over-values big names and under-appreciates breakout stars. Until the league finds a better way to recognize its elite, the annual debates about snubs and flawed choices are sure to continue.
