Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders was added to the Pro Bowl as a replacement on Monday, but few people were impressed.
The rookie quarterback was reportedly named to the AFC team, presumably to replace Drake Maye, who will be playing in the Super Bowl instead. Sanders made the team despite playing in just eight games and throwing 10 interceptions to seven touchdowns.
Sanders’ selection was criticized on social media. The general consensus was that picking Sanders further diminishes the importance of a Pro Bowl selection, with many labeling the whole situation a “joke.”
Shedeur Sanders to the Pro Bowl is a perfect example of what a joke it has become
— Tyler (@ZoneInSports) January 26, 2026
There’s legit no way Shedeur Sanders made the Pro Bowl. What a joke. pic.twitter.com/kSx4FPM8Iw
— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) January 26, 2026
Shedeur Sanders had 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season.
— JPA (@jasrifootball) January 26, 2026
You can no longer use “Pro Bowls” when arguing about players. The Pro Bowl has completely lost all it’s value. https://t.co/Qn6tsxohS5
Nothing against Shedeur Sanders, but him getting named as an replacement for the Pro Bowl just goes to show big of a joke that game really. It always has been.
— John Sabol (@John_Sabol) January 26, 2026
shedeur sanders was 41st out of 42 qualified QBs in passer rating. just get rid of the pro bowl entirely if this is what it is.
— shea (@sheanorling) January 26, 2026
Realistically, the league did not have many options to fill Maye’s AFC spot. Josh Allen and Justin Herbert are already on the team. Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix are both injured. There are plenty of other options, including Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, but they probably were not terribly interested in the invitation.
This is not the first time a bizarre quarterback has been named to the Pro Bowl roster. Considering it is basically a fan event at this point, Sanders’ appearance will likely be welcomed by a lot of those in attendance. Whether he deserves the nod or not, he is a significant draw, and that might matter to the league more than anything else at this point.
