Pro Bowl weekend is around the corner, and the NFL released their official roster for the event. The AFC is coming into the weekend with an incredible roster. It is clear that the best of the best were chosen for this roster. This year, the Pro Bowl will be played a bit differently. As opposed to how it went in the past, this will be the first season that the Pro Bowl takes on a touch football format. This move was made to make the event more safe and fun for everyone involved. Along with this, there will be less emphasis put on the game itself this season. Now the Pro Bowl will be going by the Pro Bowl Games, where NFL players will also participate in a handful of other games outside of football as well. The rosters were decided via vote by players, coaches, and fans. We will break down who all made the cut and some of the highlights of the roster.
2023 AFC Pro Bowl Roster
Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs; Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills; Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Running Back: Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns; Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders; Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans.
Fullback:Patrick Racard, Baltimore Ravens
Wide Receiver: Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins; Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills; Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders; Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
Tight End: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs; Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
Offensive Tackle: Larmey Tunsil, Houston Tecans; Terron Armstead, Miami Dolphins; Orlando Brown, Kansas City Chiefs
Offensive Guard: Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns; Quentin Nelson, Indianapolis Colts; Joe Thurney, Kansas City Chiefs
Center: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs; Mitch Morse, Buffalo Bills
Edge Rusher: Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns; Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders; Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals
Defensive Tackle: Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs; Quinnen Williams, New York Jets; Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans
Outside Linebacker: Matt Judon, New England Patriots; Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers; T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers
Middle Linebacker: Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens; C.J. Mosley, New York Jets
Cornerback: Sauce Gardner, New York Jets; Patt Surtain II, Denver Broncos; Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens; Xavien Howard, Miami Dolphins
Free Safety: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers
Strong Safety: Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers; Jordan Pyer, Buffalo Bills
Long Snapper: Morgan Cox, Tennessee Titans
Punter: Tommy Townsend, Kansas City Chiefs
Kicker: Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens
Return Specialist: Devin Duvernay, Baltimore Ravens
Special Teamer: Justin Hardee, New York Jets
Highlights From the AFC Pro Bowl Roster
There are two teams that stand out amongst the rest in the AFC in terms of Pro Bowl selections. The Kansas City Chiefs led the conference with seven selections and the Baltimore Ravens closely trailed with six. Another highlight from the roster is New York Jets’ rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner who became the first rookie for the Jets to make a Pro Bowl since Erik McMillan in 1988. Along with this history being made, there are two other players on the horizon of getting their names in the books. Justin Tucker is now one Pro Bowl appearance away from being tied for the most appearances from a kicker. Also, Derrick Henry is now tied for the most Pro Bowl appearances by a running back in Titans history.
