The 2016 NFL Pro Bowl roster was officially revealed on Tuesday evening. A total of three Eagles players are headed to Hawaii.
After being snubbed in past seasons, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox is FINALLY headed to the Pro Bowl. Cox has had a great year for the Eagles. The 25-year-old defensive lineman is a beast. He's recorded 7.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and 46 hurries through 14 games so far. Cox also has two pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Cox was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week in October. He was also voted as the team's winner of the Ed Block Courage Award.
Cox was excited about the honor.
"It feels great. It feels really great. I told myself before the season started that I needed to be better than last year. I had to make the whole world know and not just the local people. It all paid off."
The dominating defensive end doesn't rack up big statistics in a 3-4 defensive front, but his peers recognize his greatness. He dedicated this season to his brother Shaddrick, who passed away during this offseason.
"I’m going to continue to play, and I know he’s smiling down right now. He’s smiling on me and smiling on this great news with the family being here in town. It’s great and I know he’s smiling over us and watching."
Cox isn't the only Eagles player headed to Hawaii. Left tackle Jason Peters is also Pro Bowl bound. The veteran has appeared in seven previous Pro Bowls, five with Philadelphia. This is his fourth Pro Bowl in a row; he has gone every year since 2008 except for the 2012 season, which he missed entirely due to a ruptured achilles tendon.
Darren Sproles is headed to Hawaii yet again. The 32-year-old earned a spot as a punt returner. Sproles' 12.4 average per return is the best rate in the NFL among qualified returners. Sproles is the only player this season to return two punts for touchdowns. Sproles was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week in late September.
The actual Pro Bowl game will take place on Jan. 31 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. Prior to the game, the Pro Bowl fantasy draft will air on ESPN on Jan. 27.
Eagles Pro Bowl alternates: According to B/R, Jason Kelce, Malcolm Jenkins, and Chris Maragos are alternates. We have not yet been able to confirm it.