Eagles’ Star Tackle Responds to Pro Bowl Snub: “Fuel for the Fire”-HN

The Eagles have the NFL’s best pass defense, yet not a single player from their secondary earned a berth in the Pro Bowl.

Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell is in the conversation for defensive rookie of the year and fellow rookie Cooper DeJean has helped transform this top-ranked Eagles defense since being inserted into the starting line up in Week 6. But no Pro Bowl berth for either one.

Same with the Eagle safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship who have a combined 10 interceptions combined, with Gardner-Johnson having six of those, and is the reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Then there’s the offensive line. It got plenty of respect, with three of their five starters named to the Pro Bowl, including Cam Jurgens for the first year as the starting center after taking over for Jason Kelce.

Jurgens, Lane Johnson, and Landon Dickerson were three of the six Eagles selected for the honor, joining running back Saquon Barkley, defensive tackle Jalen Carter, and linebacker Zack Baun.

Dec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata (68) runs off the field after win against the Pittsburgh Steelers Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens (51) in action against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

You could say that’s a snub, too. Only two defenders on the league’s top-ranked defense? Perhaps the biggest snub of all, though, is left tackle Jordan Mailata.

“It’s not something that I prioritized or look forward to and you guys know that,” Mailata said to reporters on Thursday. “And another thing is when I look back from where I was last year to where I am this year, I know I’m on the right path. I’m on the right path so I think a big mantra here has always been control what you control. Can’t control that. So, it is what it is.”

The left tackle has earned the highest offensive grade – not just among offensive linemen, but in the entire league – with a 96.5, per Pro Football Focus. PFF also gives him the second-highest pass block grade at 91.8.

Top-5 Eagles under 25: How high is Jordan Mailata's ceiling? – Philly Sports

Maybe a bigger prize awaits, and that is an All-Pro honor. Kelce was named All-Pro twice in his career (2017 and 2018) without being named to the Pro Bowl.

Mailata said his linemates who made it felt bad for him but told them he didn’t want their pity. He said the snub won’t motivate him more than usual, that he “Already has plenty of motivation. I don’t need that as extra motivation.”

The left tackle was pumped for first-time selections Baun and Jurgens.

“ZB, man, I was gonna run through a wall and then I heard Cam made it,” he said. “I was like ‘I’m not shocked.’ I’m not shocked there with Cam so I’m happy for those guys, man, but we’ve got bigger goals.”

Indeed, the two teams who make the Super Bowl won’t play in the Pro Bowl, anyway. The Ravens led all teams with the most players selected with nine followed by the Lions with seven. The Eagles and Vikings each had six. The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs had five as did the Cowboys.

Related Posts

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Chairman Art Rooney II has sent a message expressing interest in bringing former legend Hines Ward back to the team as an offensive coordinator assistant, with the goal of aiming for the Super Bowl 2025 championship.K

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Chairman, Art Rooney II, has recently expressed interest in bringing back former wide receiver Hines Ward to the team, potentially as an assistant offensive…

REPORT: Ravens $4.2 Million Wide Receiver Reveals Hope for the Future.THANHDUNG

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace revealed he hopes to return for a fifth season next year after his most-productive season as a pro. The 25-year-old 2021 fourth-round pick had…

UPDATE: Baltimore Ravens Target Ezekiel Ansah For Upcoming Trade.THANHDUNG

Baltimore Ravens Set Their Sights on Ezekiel Ansah for Potential Trade As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Baltimore Ravens are reportedly eyeing defensive end Ezekiel Ansah…

Star Lamar Jackson, after being pressured by fans, has announced with 3 hidden words for 2025.THANHDUNG

In a surprising turn of events, star quarterback Lamar Jackson has announced his plans for the 2025 season, much to the excitement of fans and analysts alike….

BREAKING: Ravens Marlon Humphrey wants the Chiefs out one way or another!.THANHDUNG

The Kansas City Chiefs have been running the AFC for so long it feels like they’ve set up permanent residency. Seven straight AFC Championship appearances, five Super Bowl berths within reach, and a pair of shiny rings to…

GOOD NEWS: Bills fans help raise more than $48,000 for Mark Andrews-backed charity after his drop in playoff loss.THANHDUNG

Buffalo Bills fans have been showing out for Mark Andrews in the wake of his brutal dropped catch on Sunday in the AFC playoffs. As of Tuesday…