Three Detroit Lions players have been named to the 2021 Pro Bowl: Tight end T.J. Hockenson, center Frank Ragnow, and punter Jack Fox. This is the first time in eight years the Lions have had more than two players in the Pro Bowl and all three are first-time honorees.
Hockenson led the NFC tight end group from the very beginning of the voting process, which shouldn’t be overly surprising considering the statistical season he is having. Over 14 games, he has 60 receptions for 675 yards, and six touchdowns on the year, tops among NFC tight ends, and third overall in the NFL at the position.
Hockenson, just in his second NFL season, is listed as the NFC starter, while the New York Giants Evan Engram is listed as the NFC’s reserve.
According to the Lions PR department, Hockenson is the fifth tight end to be nominated to the Pro Bowl in team history, with the others being: David Sloan (1999), David Hill (1978-79), Charlie Sanders (1968-71, 1974-76), and Jim Gibbons (1960-61, 1964)
Ragnow has started all three years in the NFL and is in his second year at center for the Lions. Per Pro Football Focus, Ragnow is the second-highest graded center in the NFL, behind the Packers Corey Linsley, and on the 2021 Pro Bowl team, Ragnow is the NFC’s reserve at center, behind the Eagles Jason Kelce.
According to the Lions PR department, Ragnow is the fourth center to be nominated to the Pro Bowl in team history, with the others being: Kevin Glover (1995-97), Ed Flanagan (1969-71, 1973), and LaVern Torgeson (1954).
Fox has been PFF’s highest-graded punter since the beginning of the season, while his stats have come down to earth a bit in the second half of the season, he is currently second in net punting average (45.3 yards), third in overall average punting distance (49.3 yards), third in hang time (4.57 seconds), and fourth in punts landing inside the 20-yards line (30).
According to the Lions PR department, Fox is the third punter to be nominated to the Pro Bowl in team history, with the others being: Jim Arnold (1987-88) and Tom Skladany (1981).
The NFL has the entire NFC and AFC rosters on their website.