It's that time of the year where players across the NFL are given the news they were hoping for. We're of course talking about the Pro Bowl results. While things have changed quite a bit in terms of the festivities, it's still a high honor and four former Wisconsin Badgers players have been selected.
That's right, former UW playmakers T.J. Watt, Zack Baun, Jonathan Taylor and Andrew Van Ginkel ALL got the big news on Thursday. Watt and Taylor are two of the best at their position, but it's awesome to see Baun and Van Ginkel get this kind of love too.
#Badgers to make the Pro Bowl
— Colten Bartholomew (@CBartWSJ) January 2, 2025
AFC
RB Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis)
OLB T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh)
NFC
OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (Minnesota)
ILB Zack Baun (Philadelphia)
4 former Wisconsin stars are headed to the Pro Bowl
This is the seventh Pro Bowl nod for Watt and he's also the frontrunner to take home NFL Defensive Player of the Year. As for Taylor, this is the second time he'll be making his way to the Pro Bowl and the first time since the 2021 season.
As for Baun and Van Ginkel, the two linebackers are Pro Bowlers for the first time in their careers. Last offseason, Van Ginkel made the move from Miami to Minnesota to suit up for the Vikings. It's safe to say it was a genius move for him, as the Vikings are looking like one of the top teams in the NFC and AVG has been stellar.
When it comes to Baun, you've got to feel incredible for the guy. He signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Eagles as a free agent. This was the steal of free agency, as Howie Roseman struck gold here. Baun has become the first player in NFL history to post 150 tackles and five forced fumbles in a single season too.
There's no question that Baun is going to get paid once the 2024 season ends, and this trip to the Pro Bowl is only going to drive up his asking price. Good for him.