Christian Gonzalez, the former Oregon Ducks cornerback and current player for the New England Patriots, was notably excluded from the AFC Pro Bowl roster despite a strong performance this season. The league revealed its selections, with cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. (Houston Texans), Patrick Surtain II (Denver Broncos), Marlon Humphrey (Baltimore Ravens), and Denzel Ward (Cleveland Browns) earning spots over Gonzalez.
Despite the disappointment, Gonzalez's impressive statistics this season highlight his abilities. He ranks 16th among all cornerbacks with a coverage grade of 78.2, significantly outperforming Stingley Jr. and Ward in both coverage and tackling categories. With 56 solo tackles, two interceptions, and a fumble return for a touchdown, Gonzalez has showcased his talent against top wide receivers, including Ja'Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, and Davante Adams.
There remains a possibility for Gonzalez to join the Pro Bowl as an alternate if any of the selected cornerbacks advance to the Super Bowl. This season's struggles have been evident for the Patriots, with Gonzalez being one of the few bright spots in their 3-13 record. The only player from the Patriots named to the Pro Bowl was special teams player Brenden Schooler, also a former Duck.