It has been a historic season for rookies in the NFL. Up and down the draft, NFL teams found true gems that became instant contributors to their teams. Looking at the playoff teams as well, it was rife with top-end talent that just came into the league. For a few of them, the season was so historic that they even found a spot in the Pro Bowl games this season.
Both Jayden Daniels and Brian Thomas Jr. were Pro Bowl selections thanks to their incredible seasons. But, as an alternate, it was announced that Malik Nabers would be replacing Amon-Ra St. Brown during the extravaganza. It immediately brought back fond memories for fans of the trio at LSU, and their reactions were heartfelt.
Fans Go Crazy As LSU Trio Is About To Team Up Again
Daniels was electric in his final season with the LSU Tigers, scoring 50 total touchdowns, leading the NCAA with nearly 5,000 total yards, and breaking the FBS single-season passer rating record.
While Thomas led the FBS in receiving touchdowns (17), Nabers earned a unanimous All-American selection on the back of 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns on the year. While the latter made first-team All-SEC, Thomas was a second-team honoree.
Nabers also won MVP of the Citrus Bowl in 2023, thanks to catching nine passes for 163 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown and a passing touchdown on a trick play. He finished his collegiate career as the Tigers’ all-time leader in receiving yards with 3,003.
After he joined the other two on the Pro Bowl squad, fans immediately made the connection with one getting particularly emotional about the trio being on the field together again. “AWW JAYDEN BTJ AND NABERS REUNION.”
AWW JAYDEN BTJ AND NABERS REUINION ♥️
— Hannah (@wizzy314) January 27, 2025
It wasn’t the only fan response to make the connection. With Daniels, Nabers had his best collegiate year and fans were ecstatic to see the two connect again, “JD5 throwing to malik again.”
JD5 throwing to malik again🥹
— Nishant (@BubMuse_) January 27, 2025
For some, the connection was a recipe for instant success. After their unbelievable run throughout the college circuit, conquering the Pro Bowl and flag football was an easy second step. “Daniels and Nabers boutta combine for 300 yards in flag football.”
Daniels and Nabers boutta combine for 300 yards in flag football 😤😤😤
— hopeful team fan (@Jblack970) January 27, 2025
After a heartbreaking loss in the NFC Championship Game, there were doubts about Daniels showing up for the Pro Bowl games. Like St. Brown, there was a possibility that he would opt out to recuperate. But for fans, the selection of Nabers was a guarantee about Daniels’ availability.
“Jayden definitely showing up at the pro bowl this week now.”
Jayden definitely showing up at the pro bowl this week now 😂 https://t.co/WAqxvLKd5G
— KB 🏈 (@KBDCSports) January 27, 2025
Another fan was quick to recap the instant success the LSU products were having in the league. “WR Brian Thomas Jr. (Alternate) QB Jayden Daniels WR Malik Nabers (Alternate) 2023 LSU Teammates Reunite.”
WR Brian Thomas Jr. (Alternate)
QB Jayden Daniels
WR Malik Nabers (Alternate)
2023 LSU Teammates Reunite https://t.co/nP5GQliJ8y pic.twitter.com/fn2sw5wzNb— Jaguars: Ken Knowledge™ 👨🏻💼 (@JagKenKnowledge) January 27, 2025
Despite going to separate teams in the NFL, the three have continued to be a tight-knit group. In fact, both Nabers and Thomas were at Daniels’ first playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the quarterback even sharing an image from the outing.
Even though they are competitors and rivals now, the bond they share from LSU is still intact, and at the 2025 Pro Bowls, they’ll get a chance to showcase the incredible chemistry they had with the Tigers.