The Associated Press released their All-Pro list from this past NFL season on Friday and there were certainly some surprises.
Each year a panel of 50 media members select who they believe deserve recognition, and this season three Badgers made the list, but they may not be who you think.
First Team All-Pro - LB Zack Baun
Baun has been an incredble story this season. After spending four years as a backup in New Orleans, the former Badger linebacker joined the Philadelphia Eagles this season and never looked back. In his four seasons as a reserve for the Saints, Baun had 88 tackles, two sacks an no forced fumbles. In his first year as a starter for the Eagles, Baun had 151 tackles, 3.5 sacks and five forced fumbles on his way to his first All-Pro award.
The Eagles signed Baun in the offseason to a one-year deal for $3.5 million. It's safe to say he'll be enjoying contract negotiations this spring.
Second Team All-Pro - LB T.J. Watt, LB Andrew Van Ginkel
Although he missed out on First Team All-Pro, Watt added his sixth All-Pro nomination this season by making the second team. Despite compiling 11.5 sacks, it was a down year by the former defensive MVP's standards, who had 19 sacks in 2023. Watt is one of the most decorated former Badgers of all-time and is now just one All-Pro award short of tying his older brother J.J. Watt is one of the best players in the league and, at 30, is still terrorizing opposing quarterbacks.
Minnesota Vikings' linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, like Baun, exploded on the scene after finding a new home. The former Badger compiled 11.5 sacks and returned two interceptions for touchdowns on his way to his first ever All-Pro nomination. A fan favorite and Viking logo look-alike, Van Ginkel is the 15th different Badger to earn All-Pro status.