Three former Wisconsin Badgers were among the early leading vote-getters for the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Monday.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt, Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler were among 50 players listed as top vote-getters in the early voting window on Monday.
Watt leads the AFC’s outside linebacker voting, Van Ginkel leads the NFC’s outside linebacker vote count and Zeitler spearheads the NFC’s offensive guard ballot at this stage of the voting process.
When voting commenced, a total of 18 former Badgers were featured on the ballot. On offense, the most notable included quarterback Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers), running back Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts), running back Braelon Allen (New York Jets) and full back Alec Ingold (Miami Dolphins).
Defensively, 11 Badger playmakers were featured alongside Watt and Van Ginkel. Surprisingly, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zach Baun did not scratch the early list.
Just announced: Leading Pro Bowl vote-getters for the AFC and NFC:
Offense:
QB: Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels
RB: Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley
FB: Carson Steele, Kyle Juszczyk
WR: Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson
TE: Brock Bowers, George Kittle
T: Joe Alt, Penei Sewell
G: Joe… pic.twitter.com/HmmephQDU7— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 2, 2024
Given the talent at his passion, Baun’s omission isn’t much a surprise. Ironically, both outside linebackers are Badgers.
Van Ginkel accounts for 59 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, nine sacks and a league-leading two interceptions returned for a touchdown. Watt, a perennial All-Pro, has registered 9.5 sacks, a league-best 16 tackles for loss and NFL-high five forced fumbles in 12 appearances this season.
Zeitler, meanwhile, is one of the more valuable guards in Detroit’s offensive line responsible for blocking for running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Watt boasts six Pro Bowl appearances, Zeitler was selected for the event in 2023 and Van Ginkel has yet to make a Pro Bowl.