Shedeur Sanders has been named as an alternate for the 2026 Pro Bowl, a decision that has sparked considerable debate among football fans and analysts. The selection comes as a result of injuries and a shortage of viable quarterbacks in the AFC, leading to Sanders stepping in for Drake Maye, who will miss the game due to his team’s participation in the Super Bowl.
Sanders’ statistics from the 2025 season have raised eyebrows. He finished with just 1,400 passing yards, placing him 35th in the NFL. His completion rate was 56.6%, ranking 42nd, while his passer rating of 68.1 also positioned him at 41st among quarterbacks. These figures have led many to label him as one of the least qualified players ever to participate in a Pro Bowl event.
Comparative Performance in the AFC
Several quarterbacks in the AFC had better performances throughout the season but did not receive Pro Bowl invitations. Notable names include Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins. Each of these players had impressive seasons, yet their absence from the Pro Bowl roster raises questions about the selection process.
While it is possible that these players declined invitations, the notion that Sanders was chosen over them may indicate a focus on marketability rather than strictly on-field performance. Sanders, despite his struggles, has garnered significant attention, comparable to that of Joe Burrow, who is a well-established star in the league.
Historical Context of Pro Bowl Selections
The Pro Bowl has a long history, dating back to 1951, and evaluating Sanders’ performance requires a nuanced understanding of how quarterback play has evolved over the decades. When examining the Super Bowl era, Sanders ranks 15th for the lowest passer rating among quarterbacks selected for the Pro Bowl.
In a decade-by-decade analysis, the lowest-rated Pro Bowl quarterbacks include Brett Favre in 1993 with a rating of 72.2 and Andrew Luck in 2012 with 76.5. Sanders’ 68.1 rating, therefore, stands out, marking him as one of the weakest selections in modern Pro Bowl history.
While Vince Young in 2006 remains his closest historical comparison, Young’s dual-threat ability set him apart, as he rushed for over 500 yards and scored 19 total touchdowns in his rookie season. In contrast, Sanders managed only 8 touchdowns against 10 turnovers, further complicating his legacy among Pro Bowl quarterbacks.
The reaction within the football community has been mixed. Deion Sanders, Shedeur’s father and head coach at Jackson State University, expressed his enthusiasm for his son’s selection on social media, stating, “GOD IS GOOD SO GOOD!” This sentiment does not reflect the general apprehension surrounding the decision, as many analysts question the rationale behind choosing a quarterback with such poor performance metrics for an All-Star game.
In conclusion, while Shedeur Sanders’ inclusion in the Pro Bowl may be a moment of pride for his supporters, it highlights ongoing discussions about the criteria for All-Star selections in professional football. The balance between performance and marketability will likely remain a contentious topic as the NFL continues to navigate its evolving landscape.
