Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was one of the seven players from the Green Bay Packers selected to the Pro Bowl, but he’s still “bummed out” for two of the team’s biggest snubs.
Tight end Robert Tonyan and center Corey Linsley didn’t make the Pro Bowl despite individual seasons worthy of the recognition.
Rodgers was especially confused by Tonyan’s exclusion.
“I don’t understand why Bob didn’t get in, it was, in my opinion, a no-brainer,” Rodgers said Tuesday on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “Especially, you look at the NFC, and there is a lot of good tight ends, but (George) Kittle being out most of the season, and then Bob’s numbers this year, having 10 touchdowns and playing so consistently for us every week, I thought he’d might even be the starter. So I’m bummed out for him because the individual awards do feel good.”
Tonyan’s statistics, especially in terms of total touchdowns and overall efficiency, compared favorably to both NFC tight ends, but especially Evan Engram. He has 10 touchdown catches, which is tied with Travis Kelce for the most among NFL tight ends, but he’s also caught almost 90 percent of his targets and averaged 10.0 yards per target.
Tonyan, 26, will have to wait for next year.
Rodgers said oftentimes ascending young players get selected a “year after they deserve to get in,” even though guard Elgton Jenkins made the Pro Bowl as a starter in his second season.
Tonyan has many more years ahead of him to get the recognition, but the snub for Linsley was disheartening, knowing his experience in the NFL and the fact he’s a free agent following the 2020 season.
Although hurt for a handful of games this season, Linsley was arguably the best center in football when on the field.
“Corey has been amazing. I know he’s been hurt the past few weeks,” Rodgers said Tuesday. “For guys like Corey, who are in their contract year, when he’s had such a fantastic season, I hope it doesn’t affect that.”
It’s possible the Packers won’t be able to pay to keep Linsley, who turns 30 years old next July.
To Rodgers, the Packers should have had nine Pro Bowlers.
“Bobby should be in, Corey had a fantastic season too,” Rodgers said.
