Shedeur Sanders was named as a replacement for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games on January 26, 2026. The Cleveland Browns’ rookie was added to the AFC roster after Drake Maye’s New England Patriots punched their ticket to Super Bowl LX.
Sanders expressed his gratitude for his first Pro Bowl selection after arriving in the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick.
“Thank you to all the coaches, players, and fans for allowing me to be a part of the Pro Bowl!” Sanders wrote. “It was an amazing experience—connecting with the guys, learning, and growing. Truly grateful for the opportunity and hoping to stay connected. Thank you, GOD.”
Sanders wasn’t initially selected to the Pro Bowl when rosters were announced in late December. The original AFC quarterback selections were Drake Maye (Patriots), Josh Allen (Bills), and Justin Herbert (Chargers). Sanders wasn’t even listed among the first four alternates.
Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in Kansas City’s Week 15 loss to the Chargers, Bo Nix declined due to a scheduled ankle procedure, and Trevor Lawrence declined his invitation. This left the spot open for Sanders.
The selection is the first Pro Bowl nod for a Browns quarterback since Derek Anderson in 2008, and Shedeur became the first Colorado quarterback to make the honor since Kordell Stewart in 2001.
Deion Sanders on His Son’s Pro Bowl Nod
During an appearance on the “We Got Time Today” podcast, Coach Prime addressed criticism surrounding Shedeur Sanders’ 2026 Pro Bowl nod as an alternate.
“My son accomplished something I didn’t,” Deion said. “He made the Pro Bowl in his rookie year. I achieved that in my third year. Most people aren’t aware that the bulk of the votes come from coaches and players, with fans contributing a smaller portion. It’s not just a popularity contest.”
Shedeur Sanders’ Rookie Season
The 23-year-old quarterback was drafted in the fifth round (144th overall) by the Cleveland Browns in 2025, falling from early draft projections that had him competing for a first-round selection. During his rookie season, Shedeur Sanders started just seven games for the Browns after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion, and his performance was underwhelming.
In eight appearances (seven starts), Sanders completed 120 of 212 passes for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His 56.6 completion percentage ranked 42nd among NFL quarterbacks, while his 6.6 yards per attempt finished 31st in the league. He finished with a 3-4 record as a starter.
