Television ratings indicate that most NFL fans don’t care much about the Pro Bowl. On the other hand, NFL players are still valuable enough to earn a spot in the league’s annual All-Star Game.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson told USA TODAY Sports he’s not happy about missing out on the Pro Bowl this season for the second time in his six-year career.
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“Oh, believe me, I’m pissed that I didn’t become a Pro Bowler this year,” Jefferson said. “Despite having a (difficult) season and still getting 1,000 yards, I always try to be consistent in the Pro Bowl.”
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The four-time Pro Bowler told USA TODAY Sports his ultimate goal is to surpass the Vikings’ single-player Pro Bowl appearance record. Currently, that number stands at eight points, set by Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter from 1993 to 2000.
Jefferson pointed to Carter’s Pro Bowl record as a sign of prestige.
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“[A Pro Bowl selection] You rank as one of the best players in the league,” Jefferson said. “So it’s definitely going to be hard not to play in a game like this this year, but I’m determined. This gives me more motivation to put in the work and keep me from being in this situation next year. “
Pro Bowl: Why should Shedeur Sanders play in the NFL All-Star Game?
The two-time All-Pro receiver had the worst statistical year of his career in 2025, posting career lows in receiving yards (1,048), touchdowns (2) and yards per catch (12.5) despite playing in all 17 games. Jefferson’s second-worst statistical season came in 2023, another year he missed the Pro Bowl when he also missed seven games with a hamstring injury. That year, he still finished with more yards and touchdowns on fewer catches.
This year’s NFC’s original Pro Bowl wide receiver selections are Puka Nacua, George Pickens, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Amon-Ra St. Brown. With Smith-Ngiba set to play in Super Bowl 60, CeeDee Lamb has been announced as his replacement.
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The Vikings did not have a player named to the NFC Pro Bowl.
The 2026 Pro Bowl will air live on ESPN on Tuesday, February 3 at 6:30 pm ET. The AFC vs. NFC flag football game will begin at 8 p.m. ET and will also air on ESPN.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Justin Jefferson reacts to missing Pro Bowl: ‘I’m mad’
