The first looks at this season's Pro Bowl rosters for both the AFC and NFC were revealed this week and the Kansas City Chiefs were represented on both sides of the ball with five total players.
Even in a down season for the offense, the Chiefs had four offensive players make the Pro Bowl—the NFL's version of an all-star exhibition. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes came into this season as the reigning league MVP and put up enough numbers this season to return to the Pro Bowl despite the significant offensive hiccups experienced by the team this year.
Tight end Travis Kelce remains the best in the game at his position and was voted into the game, although he was slowed this season by an overabundance of attention from opposing defenses and nagging injuries. At this point, he's only 16 yards shy of 1,000 once again despite missing the first game of the year with a hyperextended knee.
Patrick Mahomes is one of five players named to the initial Pro Bowl rosters for the 2023 season.
The Chiefs added two offensive lineman to the list of Pro Bowl entrants with the honors given to center Creed Humphrey and guard Joe Thuney. For Thuney it's his second straight season being named a Pro Bowler after coming over from New England. Humphrey has the same amount as Thuney in just three total seasons and looks like the best young center in the game.
On the defensive side, the Chiefs are sending Chris Jones to the Pro Bowl despite the fact that he held out of Week 1 entirely. Jones returned to put up 9.5 sacks and lead the Chiefs pass rush in a vital season for the defense.
Another five players were named Pro Bowl alternates after the initial rosters were announced:
- L'Jarius Sneed, cornerback
- Nick Bolton, linebacker
- Isiah Pacheco, running back
- Willie Gay Jr., linebacker
- Trey Smith, offensive line
While it's nice to see Sneed as an alternate at least, it's laughable that he wasn't included as an original Pro Bowler for the first time here. And his teammates agreed. Check what Drue Tranquill had to say on social media.
L’Jarius Sneed not making the ProBowl is an absolute joke!
— Drue Tranquill (@DTranquill) January 4, 2024
You can’t possibly watch the tape & tell me this man isn’t a top four corner in the AFC.
Just ask Tyreek Hill, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, AJ Brown, Davante Adams, Keenan Allen & the rest of the ProBowl WRs ..
As for snubs, kicker Harrison Butker should be representing the conference as the kicker after missing only two kicks all season.