Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is headed to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, marking a surprising milestone in his first NFL season with the Cleveland Browns. Sanders was added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster as a replacement quarterback, a move confirmed by multiple league insiders and outlets on Monday.
Sanders, the 144th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, wasn’t initially selected as a Pro Bowler or an alternate, but openings arose after other quarterbacks became unavailable — including Drake Maye, whose team advanced to Super Bowl LX, and others dealing with injuries or commitments.
A Historic, If Controversial, Honor
At just 23 years old, Sanders becomes one of the few fifth-round rookies in modern NFL history to earn a Pro Bowl nod. The last player to do so was Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua in 2023. Sanders also becomes the first Browns quarterback selected to the Pro Bowl since Derek Anderson in 2008 — nearly two decades ago.
Despite the historical recognition, Sanders’ selection has stirred debate among fans and analysts alike. Critics have pointed to his mixed rookie numbers — including 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions — and questioned whether the honor reflects true on-field excellence or the quirks of the Pro Bowl’s evolving roster process.
Supporters argue that the Browns signal-caller showed growth and resilience in stepping into the starting role midseason, helping lead the team through its final seven games and carving out a headline-grabbing NFL moment.
Looking Ahead
Sanders will now prepare to join the AFC roster at the Pro Bowl Games in San Francisco, where players participate in skills challenges and a flag football game ahead of Super Bowl weekend. While the honor doesn’t carry the same weight as playoff performance or individual awards like MVP, it still represents a noteworthy achievement for a young quarterback early in his career.
As the NFL offseason unfolds, the Browns and Sanders will face broader questions about next season’s offense and quarterback plans, especially with coaching changes and key free-agency decisions looming. For now, however, Sanders can claim “Pro Bowler” on his resume — a rare accolade for a rookie, regardless of the controversy.
