It’s that time of year when NFL players receive the news they’ve been anticipating—the Pro Bowl selections. Despite changes to the event over time, being chosen remains a significant honor, and four former Wisconsin Badgers have made the cut.
Indeed, former UW stars T.J. Watt, Zack Baun, Jonathan Taylor, and Andrew Van Ginkel all received exciting news on Thursday. Watt and Taylor rank among the best in their positions, but it’s equally thrilling to see Baun and Van Ginkel recognized as well.
This marks Watt’s seventh Pro Bowl selection, and he is currently a frontrunner for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Meanwhile, this is Taylor’s second Pro Bowl appearance, the first since the 2021 season.
Baun and Van Ginkel are both making their first Pro Bowl appearances. Last offseason, Van Ginkel transitioned from Miami to Minnesota to join the Vikings—a smart move, as the team is now considered one of the top contenders in the NFC, and he has performed exceptionally.
Baun’s achievements are also remarkable; he signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Eagles as a free agent, a deal that proved to be a significant bargain. He has become the first player in NFL history to achieve 150 tackles and five forced fumbles in a single season.
It’s evident that Baun’s Pro Bowl selection will enhance his market value as he heads into the 2024 season, and he certainly deserves it.
