KEY POINT
- Sanders earned a Pro Bowl spot despite being a rookie and starting only the final seven games of the season.
- He finished the 2025 campaign with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
- The Browns have not yet finalized a head coach for the 2026 season, leaving Sanders’ starting role uncertain.
CLEVELAND Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been added to the AFC roster for the 2026 Pro Bowl, league officials confirmed Monday, marking a significant milestone for the rookie after his first NFL season.
Sanders, a fifth round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was named as a replacement on the all-star roster following withdrawals from other quarterbacks due to injuries and postseason commitments.
The Pro Bowl Games are scheduled for the week of Feb. 3 in San Francisco, California.
Sanders’ selection is notable as he was not originally voted onto the Pro Bowl squad. The opportunity arose after Drake Maye’s team reached the Super Bowl, and other quarterbacks were sidelined by injury.
His inclusion highlights the NFL’s practice of filling the Pro Bowl roster based on both performance and availability.
Drafted 144th overall, Sanders entered the NFL with moderate expectations. Initially serving as a backup, he took over the starting quarterback role in the final seven games after teammate injuries.
He guided the Browns to three wins in those starts, completing just over 56 percent of his passes. While his touchdown to interception ratio was negative, his performance demonstrated resilience and adaptability.
NFL analysts note that Pro Bowl selections for rookies are rare but not unprecedented when roster adjustments occur. Jordan Schultz, NFL Network insider, reported Sanders’ selection, emphasizing that the availability of other quarterbacks opened the door.
Tom Pelissero, NFL reporter, said, “Pro Bowl alternates often emerge when starters are unavailable. This gives promising players a chance to gain exposure on a national stage.”
Dr. Jonathan Feinstein, sports management professor at Ohio University, noted, “For a rookie, participating in the Pro Bowl provides valuable experience and can accelerate growth in understanding professional-level football.”