FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots fans failed to show much love for their favorite team in Pro Bowl voting. Perhaps they have their sights set much higher than an all-star game.
Only tight end Rob Gronkowski and kicker Stephen Gostkowski finished among leading vote-getters by position in fan Pro Bowl voting, which ended Monday. Quarterback Tom Brady finished third overall in votes behind Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Denver Broncos signal-caller Peyton Manning. Gronkowski finished 10th overall in voting.
Pro Bowl players are determined by fans, players and coaches votes. Each group’s vote counts 1/3 toward determining the Pro Bowl roster, which for the second year in a row will be divvied up in a fantasy-style draft, as chosen by captains.
The roster will be announced Dec. 23 on NFL Network. The game takes place on Jan. 25 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona, site of Super Bowl XLIX. Players on Super Bowl teams won’t participate in the Pro Bowl.
Cleveland Browns fans obviously came out to vote in full force. Nine Browns players (OT Joe Thomas, G Joel Bitonio, OLB Paul Kruger, ILB Karlos Dansby, CB Joe Haden, SS Donte Whitner, FS Tashaun Gipson, P Spencer Lanning and ST Johnson Bademosi) were among leading vote-getters by position.
Among the Patriots’ biggest snubs were cornerback Darrelle Revis, linebacker Dont’a Hightower and free safety Devin McCourty, who incorrectly was listed as a strong safety on the ballot.
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
