Steelers QB Russell Wilson and Patriots rookie Drake Maye will replace Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson in the AFC Pro Bowl. Here’s why the MVP candidates won’t be playing.
Two of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, won’t be playing in this year’s AFC Pro Bowl.
The NFL announced Tuesday that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson will take Allen’s place, while New England Patriots rookie Drake Maye will step in for Jackson.
Why Allen and Jackson Are Sitting Out
Allen had hinted earlier that a wrist injury might keep him out of the Pro Bowl.
“I don’t know,” Allen said Monday. “I got a little banged-up hand right now—a wrist. So, I got to talk with docs right now and figure it out. But we’ll see.”
He revealed the injury happened in the AFC Championship Game, specifically on a two-point play before halftime when he got hit near the goal line. While he finished the game, he dealt with swelling afterward.
As for Lamar Jackson, the likely NFL MVP, he simply declined the invitation, something he has done often in his career. Although he has been selected four times, he has only participated once, back in 2019.
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Meet the Replacements: Wilson and Maye
Russell Wilson started 11 games for the Steelers in 2024, throwing for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions while completing 63.7% of his passes. He led Pittsburgh to a 6-6 record (including playoffs) but struggled late in the season as the Steelers lost five straight games, including a Wild Card loss to the Ravens.
Drake Maye, a rookie for the Patriots, showed promise in his first NFL season. He passed for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across 13 games while adding 421 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Though the Patriots finished 3-9 in his starts, Maye displayed the potential of a future franchise quarterback.
Another QB Declines Invitation
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was also invited to replace Jackson but turned it down to address a minor injury and recover for the offseason, per 9News’ Mike Klis.
With Wilson and Maye stepping in, the AFC’s Pro Bowl lineup will have a mix of veteran experience and young talent when the game takes place.
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