Dalman just earned his first Pro Bowl nod after five years in the NFL. He joined the Bears in March, moving from the Falcons where he spent his initial four seasons.
Byard, on the other hand, has made his third Pro Bowl. Previously, he was a standout with the Titans, making first-team All-Pro twice. In 2017, he tied for the league lead in interceptions with eight and added 16 pass breakups. The next year, he had five interceptions and 13 breakups.
As a co-captain of the Bears, Byard currently leads the NFL with six interceptions. He plays a key role in a defense that is at the top of the league with 31 takeaways and 21 interceptions. Notably, he finished fifth in fan voting for Pro Bowl spots, across all positions.
This year, the Bears have three Pro Bowl players, the highest number since 2019 when they had four: Khalil Mack, Kyle Fuller, Eddie Jackson, and Cordarrelle Patterson. It’s also significant as it’s the first time since 2018 that multiple offensive linemen were selected.
The Pro Bowl players are chosen based on votes from fans, players, and coaches, each accounting for a third of the total. This year, the Pro Bowl Games head to the San Francisco Bay Area during Super Bowl LX Week. The event will showcase a flag football game featuring top players from the AFC and NFC. Fans can catch the action live on February 3, starting at 5:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.
Interestingly, the NFL has been shifting its focus toward a fan-friendly format for the Pro Bowl. In recent years, player safety has become a priority, leading to changes in how the event is structured. This move to flag football represents a significant departure from traditional tackle games. In fact, a survey indicated that 78% of fans prefer a less aggressive format for the Pro Bowl, allowing players to show off their skills without the risk of injury.
As the Pro Bowl evolves, it reflects broader changes in how sports balance performance with player well-being and fan engagement.
Source link
pro bowl 2025,Drew Dalman,Joe Thuney,Kevin Byard
