For most players, a Pro Bowl nomination is a career validation; for Pittsburgh Steelers special teamer Ben Skowronek, it might be a catalyst for a career change. The team is sending multiple players to the Pro Bowl for the 25th year straight. One of the three players selected is the gunner and backup receiver Skowronek. However, his first nomination in five years has compelled him to reassess his playing position.

“Both ways growing up, just having to choose offense. I don’t know why, looking back, I’m like, maybe I should play safety or something. I enjoy the contact aspect of football and it’s something that’s fun to me,” Skowronek said while talking to reporters. “I honestly have fun playing this game, playing special teams, playing, being able to tackle people, hit, block, run, whatever it is. It’s a big deal.”

Currently, he plays as a gunner, stopping the punt returner. But he would have more game time if he played as a safety. He has also played as a wide receiver during his career. So, if he really wants to, there are multiple positions he could provide value to the Black and the Gold.

Skowronek isn’t a flashy name, but his value shows up in the hardest parts of the game. Most of his work comes on special teams, where he’s been one of Pittsburgh’s most dependable coverage guys all season, flying downfield, making tackles, and changing field position. That steady effort finally paid off with his first-ever Pro Bowl selection, where he joins stars like T.J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey, even though he got there a very different way by winning the fan vote.

Talking about physical strength as a football player, he credited the final year at Notre Dame as the biggest year. Coaches Brian Kelly and Matt Balis worked with him to make his resume solid. It also gave him a mental edge over many NFL players.

The league also recognized his outstanding performance by choosing him for the first Pro Bowl.

Ben Skowronek would also play in the 2026 Pro Bowl

The Pro Bowl voting includes one-third fan votes and two-thirds coaches and players’ votes. The Steelers receiver and gunner finished first in the fans’ voting in the special teams category.

As a gunner for the Steelers, he has 20 tackles (10 solo) and one fumble recovery in 15 games (three starts) this year. While his impact on special teams earned him the Pro Bowl nod, he’s also contributed on offense, catching four passes for 69 yards, including his first touchdown as a Steeler in the season opener. So, the team uses him as their versatile player.

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The Fort Wayne native will play his first Pro Bowl next year during Super Bowl LX week in the San Francisco Bay Area, along with Ramsey and Watt. This is great news for the Black and the Gold, who have nine wins and are almost in the playoffs.

With such special players in their lineup, they have a good chance of winning in the playoffs as well.