The NFL Pro Bowl has long been surrounded by controversy — from who gets selected to how the games are played, not to mention fan interest and how invested the players are.
With the games scheduled just a handful of days before the Super Bowl, players from the two teams who make it are automatically ruled out. On top of that, some players decline to participate or are sidelined by offseason surgeries.
As a result, several players receive late bids to the Pro Bowl, even if their stats don’t necessarily match what most would consider Pro Bowl-level players.
Cleveland Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders became the most controversial Pro Bowl selection this week, earning a nod after just seven starts with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He is replacing Patriots QB Drake Maye.
While many NFL fans questioned whether he deserved the honor — even as a replacement — Sanders responded professionally, expressing gratitude for the recognition.
“Thank you God. I’m beyond excited and extremely grateful for all the love and support from the coaches, players, and fans,” Sanders said in a statement, via the team website. “This wouldn’t be possible without the support behind me. Still plenty of work to do.”
Sanders certainly showed flashes of talent during his rookie year with the Browns, once given the opportunity. He likely wasn’t the first quarterback the league approached to replace Drake Maye, but with participation in the Pro Bowl declining, several players declined the AFC replacement invitation. That ultimately led to Sanders accepting the nod and joining the Pro Bowl in San Francisco next week.