New England Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye was named to the 2025 Pro Bowl Games after Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen and Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson opted not to participate, replacing the latter. Maye took over halfway through the season and showed glimpses of being a great QB of the future. Fans took to social media to share their thoughts and feelings about Maye being a Pro Bowler.
Is Drake Maye’s Inclusion a Damper on the Meaning of the Pro Bowl?
Being a Pro Bowler is not the same as it used to be. Players don’t seem to participate in the game as much as they used to. The game isn’t even tackle football. Players compete in a non-contact flag football game as well as a skills challenge.
The game will be held on Feb. 2, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. As the Pro Bowl strays further from traditional football, its appeal to players, especially those making deep playoff runs, has seemed to wear off.
Maye’s inclusion was met with plenty of criticism and an indictment on the meaning of being a Pro Bowler.
“Just end the Pro Bowl honor. It means nothing anymore,” said Pro Football Network’s Matt Infante on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Just end the Pro Bowl honor. It means nothing anymore. https://t.co/xt0OjOepjc
— Matt Infante (@MattInfante) January 28, 2025
The best players do not always want to play in the Pro Bowl. They must be replaced by alternates for the event to happen. If players choose not to participate, situations like this occur. It is not Maye’s fault to want to be a Pro Bowler, especially as a rookie, but with inclusions like him, it is fair to question if being a Pro Bowler carries the same weight as it used to.
Fan Reaction to Maye’s Pro Bowl Bid
Maye started in a rough situation in New England and did pretty well with what he had. He finished 19th in PFN’s QB+ rankings with his offensive line coming dead last in PFN’s OL+ metric. His ability to show flashes is what got him the recognition to earn the Pro Bowl nod. But when comparing his stats to some other quarterbacks in the AFC, he didn’t stack up well.
The problem with the Pro Bowl lies with its selection process and not the players who are selected. Of the 12 qualifying QBs in the AFC, he finished 11th in passing yards, 11th in touchdowns, and 10th in passer rating, according to Adam Wexler on X.
Rookie Drake Maye finished with these rankings among AFC QBs:
– 11th in passing yards
– 11th in touchdowns
– 10th in passer rating#ProBowlGames
Note: there were 12 qualifying AFC QBs https://t.co/GhImJFxrZO— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) January 28, 2025
It could be argued that this is not a good look for the NFL, as Maye’s stats ranked among the lowest in his conference. It is important to consider Maye did not start the whole season, though. Other candidates may have been better suited for this nomination.
“Drake Maye and Russell Wilson making the Pro Bowl over Bo Nix is a crime against humanity. We must riot,” said Ian Hartitz on X.
Drake Maye and Russell Wilson making the Pro Bowl over Bo Nix is a crime against humanity. We must riot.
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) January 28, 2025
Hartitz suggests Denver Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix would have been a better selection for the Pro Bowl. While Nix would have had to accept the invite, his stats were better than Maye’s.
However, according to Mike Klis on X, Nix opted for a postseason minor cleanup procedure. Despite being an alternate, because Nix turned down his nomination, he will not formally be recognized as a Pro Bowler for 2024, arguably another indictment for the accolade.
He led his Broncos team to the playoffs in his first season and was an integral part of their success. Maye wasn’t the only AFC Pro Bowl alternate to be questioned, as Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson was also put on the AFC roster.
Former Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky made sure to give Maye his flowers for the Pro Bowl nod. Orlovsky used one word to describe Maye as a player.
“Stud” said Orlovsky on X.
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 28, 2025
Maye is a bright spot for the Patriots franchise. He will be the centerpiece of the franchise for years to come. His situation didn’t help him at all, with poor offensive line play and unproductive pass catchers. New Patriots HC Mike Vrabel will look to surround Maye with weapons to establish him as a perennial Pro Bowl QB.