Here’s what Josh Sweat, an edge rusher for Arizona Cardinals, recently tweeted in disgust. While he had quite a stellar season, he was indeed salty about not getting picked for the Pro Bowl. Sweat has already tied his career high with 11.0 sacks and leads the NFL with four forced fumbles. He was looking for his accolades on the offensive side of the ball for his spectacular efforts as a ball hawk.
The Pro Bowl selection process has never been the purest thing in the world – it’s a mix of fan votes, player input and coaching decisions. As a result, Sweat’s breakout season earned him a spot as the second-leading vote-getter in the NFC among outside linebackers, fourth overall. For all these accolades, he found himself on the outside looking in at the prestigious event.
I’m mad! It’s only two individual awards that you really can get, the Pro Bowl and All-Pro,” Sweat said. And I had one of them removed from me. I’m not just complaining — I’m literally accusing you of stealing it, and it’s not the first time.
It will be Sweat’s first season in Arizona. Prior to that, he was with the Philadelphia Eagles, which saw him limited to only one side of the field. Arizona’s first year head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis have allowed Sweat to flourish in their system. This program allows him to shift around between gaps, increasing his potential as a pass rusher.
In addition to surpassing his previous career-high sack total, Sweat has elevated his level of play when it comes to creating turnovers. This season, he tied his career-high in forced fumbles. This performance highlights the importance that he brings to the Cardinals’ defense. Despite being the only NFC player with double-digit sacks not to receive a Pro Bowl invite, he feels a disconnect between his on-field achievements and recognition.
The fans were basically like, ‘no, he’s gotta be the guy. We want him in. My game proved that I deserved to be in, Sweat remarked. But for whatever reason, some popularity contest within the league decided that he should not be in. That’s all I really want to know—that I’m not crazy. The lowest passer rating of any NFC guy to not make it.”
His frustration is a bit worse considering the backdrop from last year. In 2021, Sweat made Pro Bowl alternate status after piling up 6.5 sacks. That was enough for him not to gain the final roster spot until an injury opened up a spot for him. This season, he felt like he did enough to make it in, particularly with the full power of fan support behind him.
Last year, I was first alternate. And I definitely didn’t have the backing of the fan vote. But this year, thanks to all your support, I won the fan vote! So you’re gonna be the one to tell me that players and coaches stopped respecting me. No way Jose! Man, stop playing with me.
Sweat’s consistent production over his eight-year NFL career should be enough for people to respect Sweat as a player who has earned the accolades. His sentiments reflect a broader concern among players regarding how selections are made and who gets acknowledged for their efforts.
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