The NFL has officially unveiled the 2025 Pro Bowl rosters, sparking excitement, debates, and inevitable discussions about snubs. With standout performances from players across the league, the selections showcase the season’s top talent while also raising eyebrows with notable omissions. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Pro Bowl, including the biggest surprises, key highlights, and the players left on the outside looking in.
The Ravens dominate AFC selections; Patrick Mahomes misses the cut.
The Baltimore Ravens have emerged as the Pro Bowl powerhouse this year, with nine players earning selections, the most in the AFC. Leading the charge is quarterback Lamar Jackson, who continues to shine after a stellar season. Other notable Ravens include running back Derrick Henry, wide receiver Zay Flowers, and linebacker Roquan Smith, showcasing the team’s depth on both offense and defense.
In a surprising twist, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion and perennial Pro Bowl presence, was not selected this year. This marks the first time Mahomes has missed the Pro Bowl since becoming a starter in 2018. Instead, the AFC quarterbacks will be represented by Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Josh Allen (Bills), and Joe Burrow (Bengals).
Despite Mahomes’ absence, five Chiefs players did make the cut, including tight end Travis Kelce, who secured his 10th Pro Bowl selection. Kelce, widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, remains a dominant force in Kansas City’s offense.
NFC newcomers and rookies shine in their debut season.
The NFC Pro Bowl roster is highlighted by fresh faces, including three rookies who have made an immediate impact in their debut seasons. Jayden Daniels, quarterback for the Washington Commanders, headlines this group as he joins Jared Goff (Lions) and Sam Darnold (Vikings) at the quarterback position. Daniels’ selection is a testament to his poise and playmaking ability as a rookie starter.
Other standout rookies include tight end Brock B owers of the Las Vegas Raiders and edge rusher Jared Verse of the Los Angeles Rams. Both players have been pivotal in their respective teams’ performances this season, earning them well-deserved spots on the roster. Brock Bowers has redefined the tight end role with his athleticism and versatility, while Jared Verse’s relentless pass-rushing ability has made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
The Detroit Lions also made their mark in the NFC, leading all teams with seven Pro Bowl selections. Among their stars are quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions’ dominance underscores their rise as a competitive force in the NFC, with a roster stacked with young talent and veteran leadership.
Pro Bowl snubs: Top players overlooked by fans and selectors.
As with every Pro Bowl announcement, the conversation around notable snubs has been unavoidable. This year, several players with exceptional performances were surprisingly left out, sparking debates among fans and analysts alike.
Baker Mayfield’s absence raises questions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was among the most glaring omissions. Despite ranking third in passing yards (4,279), second in touchdown passes (39), and second in completion percentage (71.7%), Mayfield was left off the NFC roster. The selections of Sam Darnold, Jared Goff, and rookie Jayden Daniels highlight the competitive nature of the position, but Mayfield’s numbers suggest he deserved a spot.
Defensive stars left in the shadows.
On the defensive side, Kerby Joseph of the Detroit Lions was another controversial snub. The safety leads the NFL with nine interceptions this season and has been a cornerstone of the Lions’ defense. Similarly, Danielle Hunter of the Houston Texans, who leads the league in quarterback pressures (90) and ranks third in sacks (12), was overlooked in favor of Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby.
Running back battles leave out key performers.
The running back position also saw its share of controversy, with Kyren Williams of the Los Angeles Rams and James Cook of the Buffalo Bills missing out. Williams, with 1,299 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns (second in the NFL), was a critical part of the Rams’ offense this season. Meanwhile, James Cook’s 17 total touchdowns for the Bills led the league, yet he was left out in favor of bigger names like Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor in the AFC. Both players had seasons worthy of recognition but fell victim to the depth at the position.
Pro Bowl 2025: Setting the stage in Florida.
This year’s Pro Bowl will take place on February 2, 2025, in Florida, featuring a 7-on-7 flag football game and other skill-based activities. The event will once again be coached by football legends and brothers Peyton and Eli Manning, adding a competitive and entertaining edge to the festivities. The move to flag football is part of the NFL’s ongoing effort to revamp the Pro Bowl, focusing on player safety and fan engagement.
The Pro Bowl serves not only as a celebration of individual excellence but also as a showcase of the NFL’s brightest stars and emerging talent. While debates over snubs and selections will undoubtedly persist, the event remains a key highlight of the NFL calendar.
A look ahead: What the Pro Bowl means for players and teams.
For many players, a Pro Bowl selection solidifies their place among the league’s elite and can have lasting implications for their careers, from contract negotiations to Hall of Fame considerations. For teams, it highlights their ability to develop and attract top-tier talent, a potential recruiting tool for future free agents.
With players like Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers leading the way for the Ravens, and emerging stars like Trey McBride and Jayden Daniels making their mark, the 2025 Pro Bowl is a testament to the NFL’s competitive balance and the depth of talent across the league. As fans gear up for the event, the Pro Bowl continues to celebrate the best of professional football while setting the stage for the next generation of stars.
