Jan. 27, 2026, 6:06 a.m. ET
New York Giants offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor sharply criticized the NFL’s Pro Bowl selection process after Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was named as a replacement for Drake Maye, whose Super Bowl participation made him unavailable for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games.
Eluemunor argued that the selections favor popularity over merit, noting that his teammate Andrew Thomas — widely considered one of the league’s elite left tackles — has never earned a Pro Bowl invitation despite consistent high-level play.
In follow-up comments, Eluemunor questioned why Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward, who delivered a strong rookie season with superior stats, was passed over.
Sanders, by contrast, struggled significantly in 2025, ranking among the league’s lowest-rated quarterbacks with a poor completion rate, more interceptions than touchdowns, and a low QBR.
The decision has fueled broad backlash across the NFL community, with many viewing Sanders’ inclusion as evidence that fan voting, name recognition, and marketing increasingly overshadow on-field performance, further diminishing the Pro Bowl’s credibility as an honor.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
