4 Carolina Panthers players unjustly overlooked for 2023 Pro Bowl
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players were unjustly overlooked for the 2023 Pro Bowl based on their outstanding efforts this season?
It’s been a rocky road for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. A tough start led to Matt Rhule’s removal and although interim head coach Steve Wilks is demonstrating signs of life, there’s still a lot of hard work ahead next year and beyond before this organization can legitimately harbor hopes of contending.
This is further reflected in the Panthers getting just one player into the 2023 Pro Bowl. Brian Burns is that guy after another career campaign for the defensive end, who’s currently on 10.5 sacks and is set to get a whopping contract extension next spring as a result of his exceptional growth.
Although the Pro Bowl has lost its mystique in recent years, players still consider getting picked an honor. Even if the All-Pro selection holds far more weight in the grand scheme of things.
With that being said, here are four Panthers players who were unjustly overlooked for Pro Bowl recognition in 2023.
Player No. 1
Johnny Hekker – Carolina Panthers P
Why the Los Angeles Rams deemed Johnny Hekker surplus to requirements is anyone’s guess. But their loss has been the Carolina Panthers’ gain after the All-Decade punter became the consistent force we’ve come to know throughout his prolific career.
Hekker’s leg shows no signs of weakness and his ability to flip the field with outstanding placement has aided Carolina considerably. So the player can feel hugely aggrieved about not getting into the Pro Bowl this season.