Leonard Williams disappointed by Pro Bowl omission: 'Deserved it'
Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams doesn't understand why he wasn't selected for the Pro Bowl this season.
"It's pretty disappointing, if I'm being honest," Williams said Thursday, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson.
"I feel like I definitely deserved it this year, but I'm happy for the guys that made it. They equally deserved it. That's why they're in the Pro Bowl."
Williams - a Pro Bowler in 2016 - posted one of his best seasons in 2024, recording 59 tackles (15 for loss), nine sacks, three forced fumbles, and a 92-yard pick-6 in 15 games. The 30-year-old leads all NFC interior linemen in sacks and tackles for loss, but his exploits were only good enough to be named an alternate.
The NFL announced the 2025 Pro Bowl rosters Thursday with the NFC featuring interior linemen Jalen Carter, Vita Vea, and Dexter Lawrence. Nick Bosa, Micah Parsons, and Rashan Gary were selected as defensive ends.
"I don't understand that one," Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith said of Williams' omission. "Well, I do understand it. I've been in Seattle long enough to know there's some type of a bias. I feel that type of way, honestly.
"There's a lot of players that have been snubbed from a lot of things here. It's unfortunate for guys like Leo who has had a tremendous season. The guy had a pick-6 at D-tackle. He's been wrecking games. If you turn on the tape, there's no way this guy's not an All-Pro, Pro Bowler."
Second-year cornerback Devon Witherspoon was the only Seahawks player to make the 2025 event. Witherspoon also doesn't understand how Williams was left out.
"They gotta review that or something, bro. They trippin'. I ain't gonna lie," Witherspoon said.
The 9-7 Seahawks enter their regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams already eliminated from playoff contention.