The Detroit Lions are having an exceptional season, currently sitting at 10-1 and leading the NFC North after 12 weeks. General manager Brad Holmes has built one of the deepest rosters in the NFL, using a combination of strong draft selections and free agency signings to strengthen the team. As the Lions prepare to host the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day in Week 13, many expect multiple players from Detroit to be selected for the Pro Bowl this season.
Pro Bowl voting opened on Monday and will close on December 23. Although fan votes only account for one-third of the selection process, the involvement of fans in choosing their favorite players for the game adds excitement to the event. The remaining two-thirds of the vote come from other NFL players and coaches. This year’s Pro Bowl festivities will be held in Orlando, Florida, one week before Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
Despite the Lions’ impressive roster, two key players—edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and wide receiver Jameson Williams—are not eligible for Pro Bowl selection this season. Hutchinson, who had been performing at a Defensive Player of the Year level before suffering a season-ending leg injury, is ineligible. He posted 7.5 sacks and 45 quarterback pressures in just five games, but players on injured reserve who haven’t played at least six games cannot be considered for the Pro Bowl.
Jameson Williams, despite a strong 2024 season with 29 catches for 602 yards and four touchdowns, is also ineligible. He has been one of the most explosive players in the NFL, ranking second in yards per catch with 20.8. However, Williams is serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy in October, which disqualifies him from Pro Bowl voting.
Although it’s unfortunate for both Hutchinson and Williams, their future prospects remain bright. Hutchinson was playing at an elite level and could have been a Pro Bowler if not for his injury. Williams, with his explosive playmaking ability, is expected to have plenty of opportunities for Pro Bowl selections in the coming seasons. Their potential to achieve these accolades in the future remains high.
Furthermore, while the Pro Bowl is a significant honor, both players are focused on a larger goal—helping the Lions reach the Super Bowl. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in October that Hutchinson has a “realistic chance” of returning for the big game in February, provided the Lions advance to the NFC Championship and ultimately win the NFC. A trip to the Super Bowl would certainly overshadow any Pro Bowl
festivities.
