Jake Bailey among three Patriots to make 2021 Pro Bowl

The second-year punter is solidifying his status as one of the league’s best.

The New England Patriots are sending three players to the 2021 NFL Pro Bowl, with two special teamers included.

Punter Jake Bailey, special teams captain Matthew Slater and cornerback Stephon Gilmore earned the honor this season. Due to COVID-19, the Pro Bowl will be held as a week-long virtual event and the players won’t engage in any on-site activities.

Bailey’s in his second season in the league and he already began to prove his potential last season, after earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week twice. He leads the league this season with a net average of 46.1 yards per punt. He also leads the AFC with 24 punts downed within the opponents’ 20-yard line. Bailey has an extremely promising future ahead.

Slater is entering his ninth career Pro Bowl, which extends the record he already set for special teams players. He’s tied with Patriots’ legend John Hannah for second-most Pro Bowl selections in the franchise — sitting behind Tom Brady with 14. He has five special teams tackles this season and remains the glue for the roster.

Gilmore is earning his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod and his fourth overall. He’s been nothing short of phenomenal for the Patriots and he’s the rock that allows Bill Belichick to get creative on defense. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has 37 tackles, one interception, three passes deflected and a forced fumble this year.

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