Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley, per announcement by the Baltimore Ravens, has been selected to participate in this year’s NFL Pro Bowl. Huntley will join Trevor Lawrence and Derek Carr, who appears to be on his way out of the Las Vegas Raiders organization at the conclusion of this season. Huntley was selected to replace Josh Allen, who reportedly suffered an elbow injury according to ESPN.
Huntley only threw two touchdown passes this season while filling in for Lamar Jackson. Yes, only two. That puts Huntley in the history books. His two touchdown passes are far and away the fewest thrown by a quarterback selected to the Pro Bowl, shattering the previous record held by former Philadelphia Eagles QB Mike Boryla – who threw for six touchdowns in 1975. Even if it’s to replace Allen, how is it that Huntley managed to get selected as an alternate in a conference that has nothing short of talent at the quarterback position?
The answer: Injuries
Patrick Mahomes was selected, but he’s on his way to Arizona to face the Eagles in the Super Bowl. Tua Tagovailoa is still dealing with concussion symptoms and protocols. Justin Herbert is reportedly nursing a shoulder injury. His teammate, Lamar Jackson, is still recovering from a Grade 2 PCL injury he suffered playing against the Denver Broncos. What about Joe Burrow? ESPN says he’s out for the exhibition.
Simply put, there was nobody else in the AFC to choose from. It’s like being picked last for a pickup game of basketball with your friends. In hindsight, it ironically puts into perspective how terrible Russell Wilson played this year if he couldn’t beat out Tyler Huntley as an alternate.
That said, this is not to take away from Huntley and how good he should feel to be selected. To be named as a Pro Bowl quarterback is still an honor very few in his position get to have, even if the value of the Pro Bowl has diminished over the years.
Flip the pages for some of the funnier tweets about Huntley’s selection.
