Deommodore Lenoir’s Reaction to Pro Bowl Alternate Status: A Case for Recognition

A Rocky Season, But Plenty of Pro Bowl Honors

The San Francisco 49ers’ 2024 season may not have ended as they hoped, with a 6-10 record heading into the final week, but despite the team’s disappointing performance, several players have earned spots in the Pro Bowl. Among them, defensive back Deommodore Lenoir, who has been selected as an alternate. However, Lenoir isn’t entirely satisfied with this recognition, and he made his thoughts known on social media, expressing frustration that he wasn’t named as a starter.

Lenoir’s Reaction: A Sense of Injustice

Lenoir’s reaction to being named a Pro Bowl alternate was candid and passionate. On Instagram, he referred to his status as “Highway Robbery Smh,” signaling his belief that his omission from the starting lineup was a mistake. The defensive back didn’t stop there; he took to his Instagram story to voice his thoughts, emphasizing that popularity and draft status often carry more weight than actual performance on the field.

“Are we watching film or going off names? S—t not close… Don’t ever let them tell you draft status doesn’t matter,” Lenoir wrote, a clear message that he feels his on-field performance this season has been overlooked. His social media outbursts reflect a sense of frustration that his consistent play and growing reputation have yet to be fully recognized by the NFL community.

Lenoir’s Journey to Becoming a Key Player

Though Lenoir may not yet be a “household name,” his rise within the 49ers’ defense has been undeniable. The 25-year-old cornerback was drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft from the University of Oregon. It didn’t take long for Lenoir to make a name for himself in San Francisco, earning a starting role by his second season in 2022. His ability to step up when needed and play a significant part in the team’s success was evident, especially during the 2022 playoffs, where he made key interceptions in the Wild Card and Divisional rounds.

In 2023, Lenoir’s role grew even more. He started all 17 regular season games for the 49ers, finishing the season with three interceptions and 10 passes defended, proving his worth as one of the league’s top defensive backs. The 2024 season was no different—Lenoir continued to impress, securing two interceptions and nine pass deflections. His stellar play did not go unnoticed by the 49ers, who rewarded him with a substantial contract extension midway through the season.

A Big Pay Day for Lenoir

After breaking out in his first few seasons, Lenoir earned a massive five-year, $88.9 million deal with the 49ers. This contract is backloaded, with $50 million of it non-guaranteed and slated to be paid out primarily in 2027 and 2028. Should Lenoir maintain his trajectory and continue to deliver elite performances, this contract will prove to be a well-earned investment for the 49ers. It’s a testament to his hard work, development, and leadership within the defense, even if some in the league haven’t fully recognized his impact.

The 49ers’ Potential to Send Multiple Players to the Pro Bowl

While Lenoir may be disappointed with his alternate status, the 49ers have a strong presence in the Pro Bowl this season. The team could potentially have eight players named, depending on health and player participation. Four 49ers have already been selected: linebacker Fred Warner, defensive end Nick Bosa, tight end George Kittle, and fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

For Juszczyk, this marks an incredible milestone—his ninth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance. Warner, Bosa, and Kittle each have impressive Pro Bowl resumes as well: Warner is making his fourth appearance, Bosa his fifth, and Kittle his sixth. These four players are all considered some of the best at their respective positions, and their Pro Bowl selections are a well-deserved recognition of their exceptional play.

Lenoir and Other Alternates: The Underrated Stars

Lenoir’s name may be listed as an alternate, but he isn’t alone in that category. Defensive end Leonard Floyd, offensive tackle Trent Williams, and quarterback Brock Purdy have also been named as alternates for the NFC. Should Williams be able to participate, this would mark his 12th consecutive Pro Bowl selection, a remarkable achievement for the veteran tackle.

For Floyd, the Pro Bowl alternate status is a significant moment. Despite a nine-year career, this is the first time he has been named as an alternate, further showcasing the depth of talent on the 49ers’ roster and the competition for recognition within the NFC.

Lenoir’s Future: A Star in the Making

Although Lenoir may not have secured a starting spot in the Pro Bowl, his future is undeniably bright. With his recent contract extension and continued stellar play, Lenoir is well on his way to becoming one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks. As the 49ers continue to build a championship-caliber defense, Lenoir’s contributions will only grow, and it’s likely that he will find himself in the Pro Bowl conversation again in the near future—this time, as a starter.

For now, though, Lenoir’s Pro Bowl alternate status serves as a reminder of the sometimes unfair nature of the selection process, where performance doesn’t always carry the same weight as name recognition or draft status. But with his trajectory, it’s only a matter of time before Lenoir earns the recognition he truly deserves.