Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection, showcasing his strong season despite a modest stat line. Witherspoon’s recognition makes him the fifth Seahawk to achieve this feat in his first two NFL seasons. While he expressed gratitude for the honor, he also voiced support for teammate Leonard Williams, who was notably snubbed despite a standout year. Witherspoon found it “crazy” that Williams wasn’t included, reflecting a sentiment shared by others on the team.
Leonard Williams, a veteran defensive tackle, was visibly frustrated by his exclusion from the Pro Bowl. He acknowledged the flawed voting system and its impact on career legacies, admitting that the omission stung deeply. Williams pointed to his impressive statistics this season, including 9.0 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 26 quarterback hits—numbers that outshine those of several defensive linemen who made the Pro Bowl roster. Despite his alternate status, Williams expressed disappointment in being overlooked initially.
Teammates and analysts alike were perplexed by Williams’ absence from the roster. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith suggested that a perceived bias against Seattle players might have contributed to the snub, though Williams disagreed, citing his similar experience while with the New York Giants in 2020. Smith highlighted Williams’ game-changing plays, including a historic 92-yard interception return, as evidence of his Pro Bowl-worthiness. Many felt his performance merited not just Pro Bowl recognition but consideration as an All-Pro.
Williams’ frustration was evident as he noted the respect he receives from teammates, coaches, and opponents, which he values more than external accolades. He emphasized that while the Pro Bowl honor is significant, it doesn’t define his success. Nonetheless, being named an alternate failed to mitigate his disappointment, as he felt his efforts this season deserved a direct nomination.
Overall, the contrasting fortunes of Witherspoon and Williams highlight the subjectivity and imperfections of Pro Bowl selections. Witherspoon’s back-to-back nods affirm his rising status, while Williams’ snub underscores the complexities of recognition in a league where team success, individual stats, and subjective voting all play a role. As both players move forward, their focus remains on contributing to the Seahawks’ success on the field.