Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowlers

The NFC and AFC Pro Bowl rosters were revealed last night. The Minnesota Vikings are one of six teams to have five or more players earn a roster spot. 

The Vikings Pro Bowlers:

Kirk Cousins, QB

Justin Jefferson, QR

T.J. Hockenson, TE

Za’Darius Smith, OLB

Andrew DePaola, LS

Appearances:

Cousins: 4th 

Jefferson: 3rd

Hockenson: 2nd

Smith: 3rd

DePaola: first

In his third season, Jefferson is a Pro Bowler for the third time. DePaola earned his first Pro Bowl at the age of 35. 

Hockenson makes the team having played half the season with the Detroit Lions and the better half with the Vikings. 

The Pro Bowl is a fine honor but Jefferson has the honor in proper perspective. 

“Hopefully I don’t get to go and we’re in the Super Bowl.”

The Vikings five selections are behind the Philadelphia Eagles (8), Dallas Cowboys (7), Kansas City Chiefs (7), Baltimore Ravens (6), and San Francisco 49ers (6).

Of course, there are some snubbed Vikings players. Every team has them. The Vikings biggest snub is left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Trent Williams of the San Francisco 49ers and Lane Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles are traditional picks. It would take a remarkable season to budge either of them. Darrisaw had one. Missing about 3.75 games was an obstacle. His great play when he was on the field should’ve edged Tristan Wirfs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Darrisaw will have multiple Pro Bowls in his future but this should’ve been his first one. 

Not nearly the snub of Darrisaw but safety Harrison Smith, corner Patrick Peterson, and right tackle Brian O’Neill have played and continue to play at a Pro Bowl level. 

For the first time that I can recall, the Pro Bowl alternates were revealed. The Vikings had a few.

1st Alternates:

Dalvin Cook, RB

C.J. Ham, FB

Danielle Hunter, OLB

Kene Nwangwu, KR

2nd Alternates:

Christian Darrisaw, LT

Harrison Smith, S

Garrett Bradbury, C

3rd Alternates:

Eric Kendricks, LB

Kris Boyd, ST

No Peterson?!? I’d take his play this season over Pro Bowl corners not named Darius Slay. 

This year’s Pro Bowl will be very different. There will no longer be a lackluster, semi-tackle football game. That sad game will be replaced by a flag football game. Fun. The festivities will also include a variety of athletic competitions. 

Congratulations to the Vikings Pro Bowlers. Hopefully, they will be playing in a bigger game.