Established star quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens were expected to headline the 2025 Pro Bowl rosters. However, as years past have shown, notable names have declined participation — even if they aren’t playing in the Super Bowl.
Enter Russell Wilson. The Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller has been named an alternate for Allen, who suffered a wrist injury in the Bills’ loss to the Chiefs in the AFC title game.
Russell Wilson’s Pro Bowl Nod Sparks Debate Among NFL Fans, Analysts
The AFC’s three Pro Bowl quarterbacks are Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Wilson, and New England Patriots QB Drake Maye. Burrow was the only one of the three who was an original selection. Numerous players have backed out of the Pro Bowl this year for multiple reasons. There have been 24 alternates named after 84 original selections.
Wilson’s Pro Bowl nod has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Some question the selection process due to the high number of alternates named this year. Critics like Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt argue that the Pro Bowl has become a “Participation Bowl,” tarnishing its reputation.
When you get 5 alternates deep, just call it the Participation Bowl.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 28, 2025
This selection marks Wilson’s 10th Pro Bowl appearance, his first since 2021.
A Season of Highs and Lows for Wilson
After missing the initial part of the season due to a calf injury, Wilson’s tenure with the Steelers started strong. His Steelers debut came in Week 7 against the New York Jets, leading the team to a 37-15 victory with 264 passing yards and three total touchdowns.
In Wilson’s first seven starts, the team achieved a 6-1 record, but the season ended on a five-game skid when the offense struggled and failed to score more than 17 points per game.
Wilson ended the season with 2,482 yards and 16 touchdowns, as well as a QB+ grade of 75.3, 17th in the NFL.
Wilson Faces Uncertain Future With Steelers
As Wilson approaches free agency, his future with the Steelers remains uncertain. Despite expressing a desire to re-sign with the team and confirmation that talks of a return have begun, reports suggest that the Las Vegas Raiders, now led by his former coach Pete Carroll, may be interested in acquiring him.
During his Jan. 27 season-ending press conference, Steelers owner Art Rooney II addressed the quarterback issue as his team’s “biggest piece of the puzzle” this offseason.
“I think both of them see themselves as starters, and I don’t know that they want to share the job again,” Rooney said regarding Wilson and Justin Fields. “So, I would say most likely we don’t wind up bringing them both back.”
At 25, Fields’ age is expected to give him an advantage over Wilson, 36, if the Steelers bring back only one quarterback, which seems likely at this point. In this case, Wilson may have to play for his third team in three years.