No one can confidently say Todd Gurley is having a strong 2019 season. He’s averaging just 3.9 yards per carry, has 927 yards from scrimmage and has caught just 29 passes – the fewest he’s had since his rookie year.
Yet, despite his declining numbers, Gurley still earned a selection as a Pro Bowl alternate at running back. He wasn’t selected along the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott in the NFC, but in the event that those players can’t participate, Gurley would have the opportunity to suit up in Orlando in January.
As great as it is to make the Pro Bowl, Gurley doesn’t exactly care about being named an alternate. He was asked Wednesday if he’s hoping to play in the game and whether he would accept an invite as an alternate.
“I don’t know. Usually when I made it, I just made it. I don’t know how that works. I don’t really care either,” Gurley said.
A reporter followed up by asking if he hopes to play in the Pro Bowl, if one of the other selections can’t participate.
“No, I hope those guys that made it go play in the game – Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, ‘Zeke,’ Nick Chubb, Mark (Ingram), and Derrick Henry. All of those guys had a hell of a year, always been great players and been great running backs,” Gurley said. “I think a couple of those guys, it’s their first time. Definitely I would want those guys to go and experience that with their families and their friends and enjoy it.”
Part of making the Pro Bowl comes down to popularity. Gurley has established himself as one of the best backs in the league the last two years, and while his numbers aren’t great in 2019, he clearly has earned the respect of his peers.
“Yeah, that’s just more of the respect that I get from other players around the league – you know, that they have for me,” Gurley said. “That definitely means a lot, just coming from your peers and coaches. It just shows the amount of respect that I have for other guys around the league and the amount of respect they have for me as well.”