How Pro Bowl Rosters Come Together
The Pro Bowl is the NFL's all-star game, and its rosters are built through a mix of input rather than a single vote. Fans, players and coaches each have a say, with the combined results deciding who is named to the AFC and NFC squads. That blend is meant to balance popularity with the judgement of people who play against and scheme for these athletes every week. The 2018 game, played at the end of the 2017 season, followed this familiar format.
Because the game is played after the regular season, rosters change more than many fans expect. Players selected to teams that reach the Super Bowl do not take part, and others withdraw because of injury or the physical toll of a long season. Alternates are called up to fill those spots, which is why the final list of participants often looks different from the first announcement. When reading any historic roster, it helps to distinguish between original selections and replacements.
Why an all-star game matters beyond the field
For many players, a Pro Bowl nod is a career marker, mentioned in contract talks and Hall of Fame discussions alike. It is also a reminder of how demanding professional football is on the body. Concussions, joint wear and long recovery periods are part of the sport's story, and they are a big reason elite players sometimes sit out a game that carries no standings at stake.
For fans in the Twin Cities, the season around that game was memorable, as Minneapolis hosted Super Bowl LII in February 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium. If you enjoy live sports, our guide to Twin Cities venues covers practical planning such as transport and arriving early. And if watching athletes push their limits makes you think about your own health, our screening questions can help you prepare for a conversation with your own doctor.