Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes entered the season widely regarded as the league’s top player, but his performance this year fell short of expectations.
On Thursday morning, the NFL revealed its Pro Bowl rosters, and Mahomes was notably absent. Instead, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen were selected to represent the AFC.
Mahomes’ omission is surprising, given his reputation and star power. However, the statistics support the decision.
While he ranks second in the AFC in completions and third in passing yards, his passer rating of 93.2 very average compared to the other Pro Bowl quarterbacks. He also recorded 26 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions, numbers that don’t match his usual elite standard.
This is the first time Mahomes has missed the Pro Bowl since becoming a full-time starter. Before this season, he had earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2018 to 2023.
Needless to say, this announcement led to a lot of reactions on social media.
“The Pro Bowl voting system is a JOKE! Not having Mahomes or McDuffie on the roster after leading a back to back Super Bowl team to a 15-1 record w/16 players designated to IR this yr is flat out EMBARRASSING & shows the overall lack of football knowledge by the general public,” one Chiefs fan wrote on X.
“Wow…Pat Mahomes shut out of Pro Bowl. No respect for his accomplishments and a 15-1 season,” someone else wrote.
“Imagine someone told you in August that Sam Darnold would be a Pro Bowl QB and Patrick Mahomes wouldn’t,” another person wrote.
“I get it… But Patrick Mahomes not making the Pro Bowl with a 15-1 record is kinda insane,” someone else added.
“This is truly insane. Patrick Mahomes is arguably the greatest or second greatest quarterback in history who’s lead his team to a 15-1 record IN HIS PRIME coming off TWO STRAIGHT SUPER BOWLS! He should automatically be in as a Pro Bowler every season until he retired,” another person said.
Although this is disappointing for Mahomes, there’s a silver lining: the Chiefs have thrived as a team. With the best record in the AFC, they’ve already secured the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Still, missing the Pro Bowl is a significant blow for the star quarterback.
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