Stafford resigned to idea he'll never make initial Pro Bowl roster
In leading the Detroit Lions to a 9-5 record and the brink of the NFL playoffs, quarterback Matthew Stafford made himself an MVP candidate. Keep his name out of all Pro Bowl consideration, however.
Lions fans were baffled to learn Stafford wasn't named to the NFC's Pro Bowl team despite the fact he's thrown for 3,720 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. He's also led the Lions to eight come-from-behind victories.
"I don't really care," was Stafford's reaction Thursday, Bob Holtzman of ESPN reports.
He added, "If I didn't make it in 2011, I'm not sure I'm ever going to make it."
Stafford threw for 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2011. His passing yards were second to only Drew Brees and his touchdown total ranked third behind Brees and Aaron Rodgers. That season, Rodgers, Brees, Eli Manning, and Cam Newton were the Pro Bowl quarterbacks.
This season, Matt Ryan, Dak Prescott, and Rodgers will be the pivots for the NFC. Stafford was named a second alternate for this year's game.
Stafford has attended one Pro Bowl in his career - in 2014, as a replacement.