In a surprising turn of events, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has not been selected for the 2025 Pro Bowl roster. This marks the first instance since 2018 that the two-time NFL MVP was not initially named to the Pro Bowl, underscoring a notable shift in the league's quarterback hierarchy.
The AFC Quarterback Lineup
This year's AFC roster will instead feature Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson, highlighting the competitive nature of quarterback play within the conference. Despite Mahomes' continued presence as a dominant force on the field, these three quarterbacks have earned their places on the Pro Bowl stage for the 2025 season.
Mahomes, however, hasn't been completely sidelined. He will serve as an alternate, a role he hadn't experienced since he became a starter. The decision comes amid a set of statistics that, by Mahomes' usually stellar standards, appear modest.
Statistical Reflections on the Season
This season, Mahomes accumulated 3,928 passing yards and 26 touchdown passes—his lowest outputs since taking over the starting role. These figures placed him seventh in the league for both passing yards and passing touchdowns. While these numbers would denote a stellar season for many quarterbacks, they underline a rare dip for a player who has set the league alight with his performances in recent years.
The Chiefs, as a whole, took a strategic approach during the regular season finale by resting key players, Mahomes included, in the Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos. This approach, while possibly affecting individual statistics, speaks to the broader team strategy aiming at postseason success.
Consistency and Performance
Despite these changes, it should be noted that Mahomes demonstrated impressive consistency throughout the season, managing six consecutive games without an interception. His ability to protect the football during key stretches of the season contributed greatly to the Chiefs securing the top seed in the AFC.
Looking Forward
As the Chiefs prepare for their playoff run, Mahomes' exclusion from the initial Pro Bowl roster could serve as additional motivation. The Chiefs’ playoff prospects remain promising, and with Mahomes under center, they continue to be a formidable presence in the league.
For Mahomes, who has often expressed his dedication to team success over personal accolades, this season will be defined less by absence from an exhibition game and more by his contributions to Kansas City's pursuit of another Super Bowl title. With the postseason about to unfold, the focus will be firmly on how Mahomes and his teammates harness their top seed advantage in pursuit of championship glory.