The 2025 NFL Pro Bowl rosters are out and they’re full of surprises. The Baltimore Ravens were the big winners, sending a record nine players, including Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, to the Pro Bowl Games. The Detroit Lions follow with seven selections, while the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles have six each. However, one name is shocking by its absence: that of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
For the first time since taking over the Kansas City Chiefs as starting quarterback, Mahomes – a three-time Super Bowl MVP and six-time Pro Bowl selection – was not selected. Despite five Chiefs moving up, including tight end Travis Kelce for his 10th Pro Bowl, Mahomes finds himself on the outside looking in.
AFC Rising Stars
Buffalo’s Josh Allen tops the AFC list as starting quarterback, with Cincinnati’s Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow as backups. Washington rookie Jayden Daniels also makes history as the fourth rookie quarterback since 1970 to be named to the initial Pro Bowl roster.
Daniels isn’t the only notable freshman. Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and Rams linebacker Jared Verse join Daniels among 24 players selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time, signaling a new generation of NFL talent.
The Crows fly, the Lions roar
The Ravens’ nine selections highlight the team’s dominance at multiple positions. Alongside Jackson and Henry are Zay Flowers, Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Tyler Linderbaum, Nnamdi Madubuike, Patrick Ricard and Roquan Smith. Baltimore’s diverse representation highlights their balance on offense, defense and special teams.
The Lions’ comeback is reflected in their seven Pro Bowl nominations, led by quarterback Jared Goff, who will start for the NFC. Detroit’s team also includes Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Frank Ragnow, Penei Sewell, Brian Branch and kicker Jack Fox.
Eagles’ Barkley and Vikings’ Jefferson shine
Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley continues to rewrite history. After becoming the ninth player to surpass 2,000 yards in a single season, he earned the starting running back spot in the NFC. Barkley is joined by offensive linemen Lane Johnson, Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson, as well as standout defensive players Jalen Carter and Zack Baun.
Minnesota’s roster includes superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, as well as Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, Byron Murphy and Andrew DePaola. Jefferson’s fourth straight Pro Bowl selection puts him in elite company as one of only four receivers to accomplish the feat.
Omissions and shocks
Mahomes isn’t the only surprising omission. The Dolphins, Jets, Titans and Saints have no representatives in the Pro Bowl, a rare occurrence that is sure to spark debate among fans and analysts.
Meanwhile, San Francisco’s Kyle Juszczyk adds another milestone to his resume, earning his ninth Pro Bowl selection, the most ever for a back. Indianapolis guard Quenton Nelson continues his streak, becoming just the third offensive lineman since 1970 to make the Pro Bowl in his first seven seasons.
The return of Pro Bowl games
This year marks the third edition of the Pro Bowl Games, featuring skills competitions and a seven-on-seven flag football final at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on February 2. Peyton and Eli Manning will once again coach the AFC and NFC teams, adding a touch of sibling rivalry to the week’s events.
With a mix of familiar faces and rising stars, this year’s Pro Bowl Games promise to bring excitement, even as fans debate the notable omissions and surprises.
