The NFL made some surprising moves as it finalized its lineup for the Pro Bowl Games, particularly with the addition of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. However, it was noted that another unexpected name, Jets quarterback Justin Fields, also received an invitation but opted out of participation.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Fields was approached by the league regarding the Pro Bowl but declined the offer to focus on his offseason training. This decision came in the wake of a challenging 2025 season for the young quarterback, who had been benched midway through the year. Fields had a tough performance during the season, achieving only seven touchdown passes against one interception over nine games. He struggled to maintain consistent yardage, failing to surpass 100 passing yards in four games and only achieving over 250 yards once. As a result, he was replaced by veteran Tyrod Taylor, followed by Brady Cook as the primary quarterback for the Jets.
While the original Pro Bowl roster included well-known quarterbacks Drake Maye, Josh Allen, and Justin Herbert, all were replaced by alternates, allowing Joe Burrow, Joe Flacco, and Sanders to represent the AFC. The absence of other prominent quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence, Lamar Jackson, and Aaron Rodgers, who were also not invited, has sparked discussions about the criteria for selections and qualifications for such honors.
The inclusion of Sanders has captured significant attention and debate on social media, with fans questioning how a rookie could earn a spot in such a prestigious event. Had Fields accepted the Pro Bowl invitation, the reaction from fans likely would have mirrored that of Sanders’s selection, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny surrounding player performances and qualifications.
In this ever-evolving NFL story, the league continues to captivate both fans and analysts alike as it navigates player selections and showcases athletes during the Pro Bowl Games.