On Wednesday, Brock Purdy and Tua Tagovailoa secured their first Pro Bowl selections as the starting quarterbacks for their respective conferences.
For Purdy, this marks a significant achievement as the first San Francisco 49ers quarterback to receive a Pro Bowl nod since Jeff Garcia in 2002.
Tagovailoa’s selection holds historical weight, making him the initial Miami Dolphins quarterback to earn a Pro Bowl spot since Dan Marino in 1995. This puts an end to the longest active drought in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
This year’s Pro Bowl is notable for featuring two starting quarterbacks who are first-time picks since the 1999 season, reminiscent of the selections of Pro Football Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner.
Purdy is part of a strong representation from the San Francisco 49ers (12-4), with nine players selected in total. Joining Purdy are Nick Bosa (edge rusher), Javon Hargrave (defensive tackle), Kyle Juszczyk (fullback), George Kittle (tight end), Christian McCaffrey (running back), Charvarius Ward (cornerback), Fred Warner (linebacker), and Trent Williams (tackle).
The San Francisco 49ers, with a regular-season record of 13-3, lead the league with the highest number of players selected for the Pro Bowl. Following closely, the Baltimore Ravens (13-3) and the Dallas Cowboys (11-5) each boast seven Pro Bowl players.
From the Ravens, the selected players include quarterback Lamar Jackson, safety Kyle Hamilton, center Tyler Linderbaum, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, linebackers Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith, and kicker Justin Tucker. The Ravens secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
Representing the Cowboys are quarterback Dak Prescott, punter Bryan Anger, kicker Brandon Aubrey, cornerback DaRon Bland, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, guard Zack Martin, and edge rusher Micah Parsons. The Cowboys have the opportunity to clinch the NFC East title with a win on Sunday.
Among the first-year selections from the NFC, alongside Brock Purdy, are Rams rookie receiver Puka Nacua, Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, Eagles running back D’Andre Swift, Rams running back Kyren Williams, Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, Bears edge Montez Sweat, Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon, Falcons safety Jessie Bates III, Seahawks safety Julian Love, along with Charvarius Ward, DaRon Bland, Brandon Aubrey, Saints return specialist Rashid Shaheed, and Lions special teamer Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
In addition to Tua Tagovailoa, other first-year AFC selections feature players such as Browns tight end David Njoku, Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert, Bills running back James Cook, Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold, Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, linebackers Patrick Queen and Kyle Hamilton, Broncos return specialist Marvin Mims Jr., Steelers special-teamer Miles Killebrew, and Jaguars long-snapper Ross Matiscik.
Patrick Mahomes secures the AFC’s third quarterback position, while in the NFC, Matthew Stafford is designated as the third signal-caller. Trent Williams earns his 11th Pro Bowl selection, the highest among the chosen players. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald receives his 10th Pro Bowl nod. Additionally, Zack Martin, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner are recognized as nine-time Pro Bowl picks. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill are making their eighth Pro Bowl appearances.
Out of the 32 teams, 28 have at least one player selected, with 21 clubs having multiple players chosen. The selection process involves consensus voting from fans, players, and coaches, with each group’s vote carrying equal weight in determining the final rosters. The NFL stands as the only sports league that combines the votes of fans, coaches, and players to shape its all-star teams.
Scheduled for February 4, the Pro Bowl returns to Orlando, Florida, after a three-year hiatus. The event will feature a multiday AFC versus NFC competition, incorporating skills events and concluding with a flag football game. Peyton and Eli Manning will once again serve as the coaches.