Why isn't Josh Allen in Pro Bowl 2025? Bills QB opts out of All-Star event with injury
Josh Allen spent most of the 2024 NFL season as an MVP front-runner. He enjoyed one of the most efficient seasons of his career in his second season under offensive coordinator Joe Brady and once again led the Buffalo Bills to the AFC championship game.
Allen became the first quarterback in NFL history to post five consecutive seasons with 40-plus touchdowns. That included 12 rushing touchdowns, marking the second straight season he posted double-digit rushing touchdowns.
As a result, Allen was named an NFL MVP finalist. The battle for the award between him and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson should be a close one. Despite this, Allen was unable to lead Buffalo to a long-awaited Super Bowl appearance; for the fourth time in the last five postseasons, the Kansas City Chiefs eliminated the Bills.
Some might expect to see Allen now in attendance at the NFL's Pro Bowl Games, taking part in the flag football event at the All-Star showcase.
Is Allen at the Pro Bowl? Here's what to know about the Bills quarterback's status for the event and the latest injury updates on the 28-year-old.
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Is Josh Allen participating in the Pro Bowl?
Allen is not participating in the 2025 Pro Bowl. He opted out of the event despite Bills players being available after their 32-29 loss to the Chiefs in the AFC championship game.
The Pro Bowl nod was the third of Allen's seven-year NFL career. He was not chosen for the competition in 2023.
Why isn't Josh Allen at the Pro Bowl?
Allen initially said he wasn't sure whether he would participate in the Pro Bowl after the Bills were eliminated from the postseason. He cited a nagging wrist injury as part of the reason for his indecision, per the Bills' official website.
"I got a little banged-up hand right now, a wrist," Allen said when asked about the Pro Bowl. "So, I got to talk with docs right now and figure it out. But we'll see."
Ultimately, Allen ended up opting out of the event. He has never actually participated in the Pro Bowl, opting out after his last two nominations due to injuries while his initial selection in 2021 was in name only, as the event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Who replaced Josh Allen at the Pro Bowl?
Allen was replaced at the 2025 Pro Bowl by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, according to the NFL. Wilson enjoyed a solid first season in Pittsburgh, completing 63.7% of his passes for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in 11 starts.
Normally, those numbers wouldn't be enough to get a quarterback into the Pro Bowl. However, the AFC saw several quarterbacks opt out ahead of the game in addition to Allen. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson decided not to play in the game while Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes – likely the top alternate – is playing in Super Bowl 59 next week.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix also couldn't go to the Pro Bowl after having a minor surgical procedure. That opened the door for Wilson and New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye to represent the AFC.
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Pro Bowl quarterbacks for 2025
Below is a look at the quarterbacks for each conference:
AFC
Drake Maye, New England Patriots (Lamar Jackson replacement)
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers (Josh Allen replacement)
NFC
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Jayden Daniels replacement)
Josh Allen stats 2024
Allen had one of the best seasons of his career for the Bills, posting the highest QBR of his career (77.3) and tossing a career-low six interceptions. That allowed him to emerge as one of the front-runners for the NFL's MVP award.
Below is a look at Allen's stats for the 2024 NFL season.
Completion rate: 307 of 483 (63.6%)
Passing yards: 3,731
Passing TDs: 28
Interceptions: 6
Yards per attempt: 7.7
Passer rating: 101.4
Carries: 102
Rushing yards: 531
Rushing TDs: 12
Allen also logged a receiving touchdown after catching a lateral from a receiver and taking it 7 yards for a score. He did not log a reception for the season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Josh Allen in Pro Bowl 2025? What to know about Bills QB's status
