The Pittsburgh Steelers had quite a few years where the more prominent names on the roster got Pro Bowl recognition, sometimes in spite of how their season actually went. Lately, though, even the more well-known players haven't made the cut, with other names from around the league taking precedence. In the 2023 season, as it turns out, that streak hasn't changed, with only three Steelers making a dent in the 2024 Pro Bowl selections. Regardless of their late-season surge, it seems that not many people recognize individual Steelers players as they once did.
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Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt should always be near the top of the Pro Bowl voting when he is healthy.
Report Says Steelers Sending Three To 2024 Pro Bowl
Between 2018 and 2021, no fewer than five Steelers players made the Pro Bowl in their respective seasons. Those days seem like eons ago, especially when you consider that in both the 2022 and 2023 Pro Bowls, only two Steelers made the cut. In both years, those players were TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick. For the 2024 Pro Bowl, both Watt and Fitzpatrick found themselves as Pro Bowl selections once again, as two of the three Steelers who will represent the team.
Hearing the Steelers Pro Bowl selections are edge rusher T.J. Watt, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and special teams ace Miles Killebrew.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) January 3, 2024
Watt once again got a Pro Bowl selection beside his name. The former Defensive Player of the Year is alongside the likes of Josh Allen of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the top-vote-getter in Bradley Chubb from the Miami Dolphins. While names like Micah Parsons have become household along with Watt, it was surprising to see Chubb that high in the voting. Watt came in behind both Allen and Danielle Hunter, and as they are both vying for the league lead in sacks, that is somewhat understandable.
However, with Watt excelling in multiple statistical categories as well as tied for the lead in sacks, one has to wonder why he didn't finish first despite earning the Pro Bowl nod. Maybe if he wasn't held on nearly every play, his numbers would become Madden-like, and the voters would once again respond to his generational greatness.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers special teamer Miles Killebrew has made a name for himself based on grit and consistency.
Steelers' Special Teams Getting Recognition
Other than Watt and Fitzpatrick, only one other Steelers' player got recognized with 2024 Pro Bowl selections, and he is a special teams player. Miles Killebrew found himself in the top 10 for the special teams players' position in voting for the Pro Bowl. While names like Fitzpatrick and Watt have been expected to be seen on the list, having players such as Killebrew being recognized like this speaks to the team play that has gotten the Steelers to 9-7 with one game remaining.
Considering the amount of challenges the 2023 Steelers have faced, being in a position to grab one of the AFC playoff spots is remarkable. If a horrific and surprising three-game losing streak hadn't occurred, this would be a very different situation. However, losses to the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, and Indianapolis Colts took destiny out of Pittsburgh's hands, and now they will need help to become a postseason team.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is a steady force in the secondary
It will take effort from every single phase of the game, including on special teams where Killebrew plays. Always willing to chase down returners and give every bit of effort he has on every play; Killebrew is invaluable. Mike Tomlin is a head coach who loves the fundamentals of the game, and knowing that Killebrew is among the best at his respective job is a credit to the atmosphere created in the locker room and facility.
With only one more game remaining on the 2023 Steelers' schedule, the need for every single area of the team to step up is an absolute necessity. When the whistle blows and Saturday's game against the Baltimore Ravens has ended, the Steelers have to be able to say that they left every single bit of their effort on that field. Otherwise, they don't deserve the postseason spot in the first place.
Who do you think was snubbed from a Pro Bowl selection for 2024? Comment below!
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