The Associated Press released its annual NFL All-Pro teams on Friday, handing out the distinction to some of the league’s best players.
Here are some notables.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers earned first-team honors for the second time in his career. The MVP candidate put up 4,381 yards with 38 touchdowns compared to five interceptions during the regular year.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell, who was just ruled out for the team’s wild card game against the Baltimore Ravens, joins DeMarco Murray as the two running backs on the first team. Bell put up the best single-season performance for a running back in franchise history, tallying over 2,200 total yards and 11 scores. Meanwhile, Murray led the NFL in rush attempts (392), rushing yards (1,845), rushing touchdowns (13) and total yards (2,261).
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski joined star Texans defensive end J.J. Watt as the only two players to be unanimous selections for the first team. Despite dealing with injuries early in the season, Gronk was able to suit up for 15 games, recording 82 receptions for over 1,100 yards.
As it relates to Watt, no one should be surprised about his selection. He put up among the best single-season performances for a defensive player in the history of the league and is considered a legit MVP candidate.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman earned first team honors for the third time in his career. He was joined by fellow Legion of Boom members Earl Thomas and Bobby Wagner as the three Seahawks represented here.
Here’s how the entire first team looked.
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers
Running Backs: DeMarco Murray and Le’Veon Bell
Fullback: John Kuhn
Tight End: Rob Gronkowski
Wide Receivers: Antonio Brown and Dez Bryant
Tackles: Tyron Smith and Joe Thomas
Guards: Marshal Yanda and Zack Martin
Center: Maurkice Pouncey
Kicker: Adam Vinatieri
Kick Returner: Adam Jones
Defensive Ends: J.J. Watt and Mario Williams
Defensive Tackles: Ndamukong Suh and Marcell Dareus
Outside Linebackers: Justin Houston and Elvis Dumervil
Inside Linebackers: Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner
Cornerbacks: Darrelle Revis and Richard Sherman
Safeties: Earl Thomas and Eric Weddle
Punter: Pat McAfee
