NFL Announces Its Pro Bowl Replacement For Travis Kelce
01/27/2025 04:58 PM
For the fifth time in his career, Travis Kelce has made the Pro Bowl but won't be able to participate in the festivities.
Since the Pro Bowl started being played on the weekend in between the conference championships and Super Bowl, players whose teams reach the Super Bowl have been unable to compete. Even with the Pro Bowl now reduced to a flag football game and a variety of skills competitions, Super Bowl-bound players have to stay away.
As a result, Kelce, who was selected to his 10th Pro Bowl this season, won't be in Orlando this weekend. His spot on the AFC has been taken by Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith.
Smith, who signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins last offseason, is now a first-time Pro Bowler in his eighth NFL season.
In 2024, Smith started all 17 games for Miami, recording 88 receptions for 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, with all three marks standing as franchise records.
A well-deserved honor for Smith, who ranked in the top five among NFL tight ends in all major receiving categories this season. We're sure Kelce is okay with giving up his spot in the Pro Bowl Games for another trip to the biggest game of all.
"It's a new feeling right now, but I'm just excited," Kelce said following the Chiefs' 32-29 win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game Sunday night. "I'm happy for the guys that are doing this for the first time, trying to make it everything for them. But I know there's bigger fish to fry and that's the Philadelphia Eagles down there in New Orleans."
Super Bowl 59 is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb 9 from the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. FOX will broadcast the action.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Pro Bowl Games will get underway starting Thursday at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
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