Steelers' Minkah Fitzpatrick Reveals His True Feelings About "Surprise" Pro Bowl Bid

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive stars will be represented well at the 2025 Pro Bowl Games. The three defensive leaders TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick all made the AFC team as starters. Watt and Heyward were obviously selections, while Fitzpatrick definitely came as a surprise to some as he hasn't been at the center of a lot of highlight plays during the 2024 season. A lot of what Fitzpatrick does goes unrecognized statistically, but he has been one of the best tacklers in the league and consistently makes quarterbacks throw somewhere else.

Fitzpatrick was under fire for quite some time. The safety had seemed to lose his ability to make splash plays. He struggled with some injuries in 2023, but he went nearly two full seasons without recording an interception until he picked off Lamar Jackson in Week 16. It was great for fans to see Fitzpatrick finally make a big highlight play, and it's also great to see the safety add to his resume with another Pro Bowl selection. The veteran spoke to the media on Thursday where he was asked if he was surprised he was chosen once again.

"Yeah, to be honest," Fitzpatrick admitted. "Like I said, it hasn't been my splashiest year. Been back in the post and doing my job for the most part. So yeah, I was surprised, but I'm also honored."

Fans have been scrutinizing Fitzpatrick all season long. When he first got to Pittsburgh, he was making splash play after splash play, and the fan base hasn't been able to see that in a while. While he hasn't been turning routine plays into pick-sixes like he used to, Fitzpatrick has been doing his job. More often than not, he is the deep safety for Pittsburgh, and he does a great job at tackling in the open field and not allowing big plays to transpire.

Fitzpatrick has quietly had a very good year, despite the lack of takeaways. He is third on the team in tackles with four pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble. His tackling ability in the open field is on display every week, and it is a big reason that the defense in Pittsburgh has been so good for the majority of the 2024 season.

The safety will need to play a big role moving forward if the Steelers plan to advance in the playoffs. Fitzpatrick has never won a playoff game throughout his NFL career, but he should have a good chance to this season. The Steelers have shown they can compete with good teams as long as they are having a good day, and after an embarrassing three-game losing streak, Pittsburgh shouldn't allow the same issues to show themselves again.

Fitzpatrick is one of the primary defensive leaders in Pittsburgh, and his leadership going into the postseason is crucial. Pittsburgh will be forced to play some high-powered offenses moving forward, and the Steelers must put together some stellar defensive performances.

Steelers Saw Other Defensive Stars Snubbed From Pro Bowl

While the Steelers will be sending three defenders to the Pro Bowl, there are some players on the defense who were snubbed. DeShon Elliott is a player that immediately comes to mind. The safety has already out-performed his contract as he is second on the team in tackles and has also recorded an interception and two forced fumbles. He is a safety, but he plays up in the box a lot of the time and is a big part of stopping the run for Pittsburgh's defense.

Another player that probably could have been considered for a spot in the Pro Bowl is Alex Highsmith. The outside linebacker has missed some time with injuries which is likely why he didn't make the cut, but when he has been on the field, he has been an absolute difference maker.

What do you think about Fitzpatrick making the Pro Bowl? Let us know in the comments below!

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