At the end of each season, the NFL chooses two rosters of complete players, one for each conference (NFC and AFC) to represent their respective conference in the Pro Bowl. These players are the best of the best at their respective positions in their conferences. Over time, the actual event of the Pro Bowl has evolved. The event that happens the week between the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs and the Super Bowl was originally a full-on tackle football game between the conferences. However, this year, it will be a form of multiple events where players will compete and earn points to go towards their conference in hopes of getting a win for their side. These events include playing accuracy, dodgeball, skill and speed, and more. Let’s take a look at who the NFL chose this season.
NFC Offense
The NFC offense is highlighted by a pair of dynamic teammates that are designated as starters, quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey from the San Francisco 49ers. The same team also had tight end George Kittle and left tackle Trent Williams selected. Three Philadelphia Eagles linemen show up with Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, and Landon Dickerson getting the nod. Rookie sensation Puka Nacua made his first Pro Bowl in his first season, along with CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown, and Mike Evans. Rookie Sam LaPorta also was selected behind Kittle, despite having better stats all season. Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow also represent the Lions on the roster.
NFC Defense
The defense for the NFC features four more 49ers stars in lineman Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, Fred Warner and cornerback Charvarius Ward. Defensive end Montez Sweat was selected, becoming the first player in the history of the NFL this season to lead two different teams in sacks. Shutdown cornerback DaRon Bland joins Ward at the corner position. He was absolutely electric this season. In the back Jessie Bates from the Atlanta Falcons is joined by Arizona Cardinals’ Budda Bakers and Seattle Seahawks’ Julian Love. The 49ers led both the offense and the defense in number of players selected.
AFC Offense
The AFC offensive roster is highlighted by the dynamic Miami Dolphins offense. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, running back Raheem Mostert, receiver Tyreek Hill, and tackle Terron Armstead lead the AFC offense with the first three being designated starters. James Cook from the Buffalo Bills makes his first appearance at a Pro Bowl, as does Cleveland Browns’ tight end David Njoku. MVP favorite Lamar Jackson from the AFC-leading Baltimore Ravens will back up Tagovailoa, with Kansas City Chiefs Patrick Mahomes also being named. Travis Kelce, Joe Thuney, and Creed Humphrey were also selected on offense from the Chiefs roster.
AFC Defense
The defense for the AFC is headed up by the top three defensive player of the year candidates in the Browns’ Myles Garrett, Pittsburgh Steelers’ TJ Watt, and Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby. The Ravens defense is represented well in this group with Justin Madubuike, Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen, and Kyle Hamilton all being selected. After being drafted in 2021, Patrick Surtain II from the Denver Broncos and Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets will both be making their second straight Pro Bowl of their young career at cornerback. Veteran Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will be back with Denver’s Justin Simmons at safety.
