Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith told reporters it felt like a “slap in the face” that the team had zero players on the 2025 Pro Bowl Games rosters that were released Thursday morning.
He’s got a point.
After the Dolphins had six Pro Bowlers last season, it’s no surprise that an underwhelming season didn’t yield the same amount of individual accolades. After all, Miami went from No. 1 in the NFL in total offense last season to No. 18 in 2024. And even though the Dolphins have a chance at finishing with a winning record, it’d take a small miracle for the team to reach the postseason.
But zero?
That puts the Dolphins in the same boat as the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans, three teams with 12 wins combined. Even the three-win Patriots, Browns, and Giants have at least one representative each.
Smith may have the most deserved gripe.
The veteran tight end has 79 receptions for 828 yards and seven touchdowns. But Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce got the last spot at tight end in the AFC. Despite getting 34 fewer targets, Smith has more receiving yardage than Kelce (828 to 823) and more than double the touchdowns (seven to three).
Smith has earned a career-best 79.2 grade from Pro Football Focus this season. Kelce has a career-worst 70.9.
Dolphins defensive lineman Zach Sieler also has a justified case to be disgruntled with the result. After notching double-digit sacks last season, Sieler is at 8.5 this season with a career-best 12 tackles for loss.
But the Steelers’ Cameron Heyward, Chiefs’ Chris Jones, and Ravens’ Nnamdi Madubuike were given the nod instead. Not one of those players has more sacks or tackles for loss than Sieler.
There’s still time for some rights to be wronged. If the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl for the fifth time in the last six seasons, neither Kelce or Jones would participate in the Pro Bowl Games, which could open the door for Smith and/or Sieler to get the nod.
For now, though, there’s a pair of Dolphins who have a reason to feel like their performances this season aren’t being properly recognized.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]