Which former Badgers were selected to the Pro Bowl on Thursday?
The NFL announced their 2025 Pro Bowl rosters on Thursday and four former Wisconsin Badgers saw their name called for the prestigious honor, with two coming in the NFC and two coming in the AFC.
Running back Jonathan Taylor was named a Pro Bowler for the Indianapolis Colts, marking his second career Pro Bowl and his first since his All-Pro 2021 campaign when he rushed for 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns.
After failing to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in each of the last two seasons, Taylor has had a strong 2024 year, rushing for 1,254 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s especially come along strong over the last three games, rushing for 450 yards and five touchdowns.
Staying on the AFC, outside linebacker T.J. Watt was selected to his seventh straight Pro Bowl for the Pittsburgh Steelers after yet another season with double-digit sacks. Through 16 games this year, Watt has 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles, which are a league-high.
Watt is currently the favorite to win the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award according to the sportsbook, as his 11.5 sacks are tied for fourth in the NFL currently.
Looking to the NFC, another former Badgers outside linebacker made the list as Andrew Van Ginkel earned his first Pro Bowl selection for the Minnesota Vikings.
Playing under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Van Ginkel has enjoyed a career-best season with the Vikings, recording 72 tackles, 11.5 sacks, five pass breakups, two interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns.
He previously played under Flores with the Miami Dolphins and has emerged as a breakout star for the Vikings in his age-29 season in the first year of a two-year, $20 million deal.
Lastly, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun earned his first Pro Bowl as one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL in 2024.
Coming over from the New Orleans Saints in the offseason, Baun took advantage of an opportunity with the Eagles, moving to the inside and enjoying a breakout year in 2024.
His 151 tackles are fourth in the NFL, while the linebacker has also recorded five forced fumbles, four pass breakups, and 3.5 sacks this season.