Each year, the Pro Bowl serves as a showcase for the NFL’s top talent, but behind that recognition lies a selection process that blends popularity, on-field performance, and expert evaluation. Pro Bowl voting not only determines which players are considered the best of the season, but also reflects how fans, players, and coaches interact in shaping this honor.
Understanding how participants are chosen helps put into perspective the true value of the Pro Bowl and the significance it holds within a player’s career and legacy in the league.
What are the NFL Pro Bowl Games?
However, as we said, fans have plenty to enjoy in the week leading up to the game, especially with the famous Pro Bowl, which has gone from being a competitive game to a weekend full of stars – 44 per conference – who meet to have fun and have activities in which the big winner turns out to be the public.
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Who Votes for the Pro Bowl?
Pro Bowl selections are determined through a three-way voting system that gives equal weight to:
- Fans
- NFL players
- NFL coaches
Each group accounts for one-third of the total vote. This structure is designed to balance popularity with on-field respect and professional evaluation, ensuring that selections are not driven solely by fan recognition or name value.
The Role of Fan Voting
Fan voting is the most visible part of the process and often the one that draws the most attention. Fans vote online during the regular season, selecting players at each position. Star power, market size, highlight-reel plays, and media exposure can all influence fan voting, which is why well-known players sometimes receive strong support even during down seasons.
Fans could cast full roster ballots online at at Probowl.com/vote. There was no limit to how many times fans could vote daily.
How Players and Coaches Contribute
Current NFL players and coaches also cast votes, typically focusing more on performance, consistency, and matchup difficulty. Their perspective adds credibility to the process, as they evaluate opponents and teammates based on firsthand experience. This element helps offset purely popularity-driven results.
Positions and Conference Breakdown
Pro Bowl rosters are selected by position and divided by conference (AFC and NFC). Each roster includes a predetermined number of players at each position, such as quarterbacks, wide receivers, offensive linemen, and defensive backs. Special teams players-kickers, punters, and return specialists-are also selected through the same voting process.
What Happens After the Voting?
Once voting closes, the NFL announces the initial Pro Bowl rosters. However, not every selected player ultimately participates. Players whose teams advance deep into the postseason, particularly those who reach the Super Bowl, do not take part in the Pro Bowl event. When that happens, alternates are named, giving additional players the chance to earn Pro Bowl recognition.
While debates about snubs and controversial picks are common, Pro Bowl selections still carry weight. They are often referenced in contract negotiations, Hall of Fame discussions, and career resumes. For many players, being named a Pro Bowler is a benchmark of success and league-wide recognition.
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