Pro Bowl appearances are a significant milestone for NFL players, yet repeating that achievement is often an uphill battle. As we gear up for a new season, it’s a prime opportunity to reflect on which Detroit Lions are poised to make a return to the exclusive Pro Bowl club—in a league that’s notorious for one-hit wonders and surprise selections.
Take, for instance, some players who have made it to the Pro Bowl with less than stellar credentials. Tyler Huntley’s 2022 nod, despite only four starts, or Mitchell Trubisky’s selection largely due to the success of his team, highlight the unpredictable nature of the Pro Bowl voting process. Then there’s Taylor Decker, the Lions’ reliable left tackle, who finally earned his first desired invitation in 2024 after several years of solid performances. It raises the question: which Lions players are likely to make their mark once more in 2025?
Let’s tackle this with a breakdown of the frontrunners.
Amon-Ra St. Brown should be at the top of the list. As a top-five receiver in the NFL, his talent is undeniable. With only four receivers making the Pro Bowl from each conference, St. Brown’s skill set will position him well, even amidst fierce competition from the likes of Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb. It would take quite the reversal for him to fall out of the NFC’s elite receiver ranks.
Jahmyr Gibbs is another name to watch for. The dynamic running back, a fellow first-round pick alongside Bijan Robinson, is gearing up to showcase just how special he is. This season feels pivotal, and fans can anticipate Gibbs not only stepping up his game but also elevating himself into broader discussions of the league’s best running backs. However, he’ll need to tackle the perception of volume—other NFC backfield leaders like Robinson, Saquon Barkley, and Josh Jacobs might edge out his statistics due to sheer workload.
Moving on to Penei Sewell, who many believe to be the best tackle in the league. Unfortunately, the Pro Bowl voting can overlook elite linemen due to its reliance on fan votes. The NFC tackle landscape is increasingly crowded, and even Sewell’s All-Pro accolades might not grant him the recognition he deserves among a stellar cast of competitors, including Lane Johnson and Tristan Wirfs.
Now let’s consider Jared Goff. The quarterback landscape in the NFC isn’t overflowing with elite talent, and Goff certainly shines among his peers. While he might not find himself in the MVP discussion, the possibility of a Pro Bowl appearance remains very much alive, especially with the right showcasing of talent.
Brian Branch adds intrigue as part of one of the league’s premier safety duos, alongside Kerby Joseph. Their shared success could create a vote-splitting scenario, as only three safety spots are available for each conference. With high-caliber competition from the likes of Xavier McKinney and Budda Baker, it’s crucial that both players generate buzz in the national narrative to secure their respective selections.
When it comes to Jack Fox, predicting punters is always a bit of a gamble. With only one punter per conference and stiff competition from names like Bryan Anger and Michael Dickson, it could easily go either way. Additionally, if the Lions’ offense is high-octane, Fox might find himself with fewer opportunities to shine.
Finally, we have Taylor Decker, whose Pro Bowl journey began in 2024. While it’s been thrilling for him, repeating that feat might be challenging in a conference filled with myriad tackle talent. Decker could still deliver quality play, but whether it’ll be enough to earn another Pro Bowl nod is questionable, given the depth he faces.
As we look ahead to the coming season, the excitement surrounding these potential Pro Bowl contenders is palpable. Each player carries their unique narrative and set of challenges—a reminder of the fierce competition in the NFL. Fans should prepare for an exhilarating ride as the Lions aim to leave their mark on the Pro Bowl once again.
