The Cincinnati Bengals might have failed to extend their lead in the regular-season tally, but it seems they will have a big stake in the Pro Bowl game. Just hours after the confirmation of Joe Flacco’s first-ever Pro Bowl AFC roster entry, another update emerged, this time featuring the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner, Joe Burrow. Amid brewing controversies surrounding the Pro Bowl this year, here’s how the 5th Bengals player found his way to the massive honor for the 2025 season.

“Joe Burrow will join Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at the Pro Bowl Games in SF,” insider Mike Petraglia reported on X (formerly Twitter).

The former Louisiana State University standout started eight games in his sixth NFL season in 2025. He completed 173 of 259 passes for 1,809 yards, throwing 17 touchdowns with five interceptions. His passer rating for the season was 100.7.

The final six weeks saw him lead the NFL with 152 completions. He tied for second in touchdown passes with 15 and ranked third in passing yards at 1,620. He also finished fifth in completion percentage (68.2) and fifth in passer rating (102.2). The shocking aspect of the results was that they came after a troublesome phase for the quarterback. Burrow returned in Week 13 after missing nine straight games with a toe injury.

Adding more value to his team, the QB’s addition to the Pro Bowl roster wouldn’t be the sole Cincinnati Bengals inclusion. Wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins also earned Pro Bowl spots. Chase finished the season with 125 catches, 1,412 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. Higgins added 59 catches for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns, despite catching passes from three different quarterbacks during the season. Their production helped keep the Bengals’ offense among the AFC’s best late in the year.

His Pro Bowl inclusion also added him to the elite group of individuals this season. The upcoming major event will mark the third time he has received the honor, along with adding him to the list of only four franchise QBs to have earned at least three Pro Bowl picks. However, his entry this time also adds to a wider narrative as he wasn’t the only one to join last minute as a replacement.

Joe Flacco marks his Pro Bowl inclusion as a “special” feat at 41

Joe Flacco’s Pro Bowl selection adds an interesting turn to this season’s story. His presence will mark the first Pro Bowl of his career, along with creating a rare moment where Ohio rivals benefit. Both the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals (two teams Flacco played for in 2025) will send more quarterbacks to the Pro Bowl than the Baltimore Ravens. While Flacco has his place confirmed for the first time in his 18-year-long career, the excitement was clearly visible in his statement.

“It’s an honor to be recognized among the league’s best, especially at this stage of my career,” Flacco said, as reported by ESPN. “I’ve always played for the love of the game and to help my team win, but this is definitely special.”

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Flacco kicked off the 2025 season as the Browns’ starting quarterback. However, his prime status wasn’t retained for a long period. The team moved him to the bench and started rookie Dillon Gabriel just after four games. That change came before a Week 5 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London. However, despite the disappointing decision, his early numbers turned out to be impressive. He ranked second in the NFL in pass attempts with 160 and fourth in completions with 93. His completion rate was 58.1 percent, he threw for 815 yards, and his passer rating was 60.3.