The 2025 Pro Bowl Games rosters were announced on Thursday, and the Detroit Lions made a strong showing, with seven players being named to the NFC squad, tying the franchise record. While Pro Bowl selections are always controversial due to the limited spots and frequent snubs, the Lions’ representation was impressive, especially considering the high number of players who finished near the top in fan voting.
Here are the seven Lions who made the roster this year, with two earning their first Pro Bowl selections:
QB Jared Goff (fourth career selection)
RB Jahmyr Gibbs (first career selection)
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (third career selection)
OT Penei Sewell (third career selection)
C Frank Ragnow (fourth career selection)
S Brian Branch (first career selection)
P Jack Fox (second career selection)
Of these, Goff, St. Brown, Sewell, Ragnow, and Fox were named starters.
In addition to the primary selections, 11 Lions were named Pro Bowl alternates, further highlighting the team’s depth. These alternates include:
TE Sam LaPorta (first alternate)
KR Kalif Raymond (first alternate)
K Jake Bates (second alternate)
S Kerby Joseph (second alternate)
OG Kevin Zeitler (third alternate)
IDL Alim McNeill (third alternate)
RB David Montgomery (third alternate)
OT Taylor Decker (third alternate)
OG Graham Glasgow (fourth alternate)
LB Jack Campbell (fourth alternate)
IDL DJ Reader (seventh alternate)
The process is far from perfect, and some Pro Bowl selections can feel arbitrary, especially when players on Super Bowl teams or those recovering from injury often decline to participate. The selection of 11 alternates is a testament to the Lions’ high performance, though it also highlights the flaws in the voting system.
One glaring oversight this year was Kerby Joseph’s exclusion from the Pro Bowl roster, despite his strong performance. His absence as a first alternate at safety stands out as a clear snub, and his lack of recognition could also affect his contract for 2025. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn alluded to the possible reasons behind Joseph’s snubbing, hinting that some may view him as a “dirty player” due to his reputation, which could have influenced voters’ decisions.
Despite these frustrations, the Lions’ overall Pro Bowl success signals the team’s growing status as one of the league’s best. Ultimately, if the team performs well in the playoffs and reaches the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl selections will feel like a secondary concern.
