For the Los Angeles Chargers, the season is decidedly over. The focus now lies on the remainder of their coaching cycle, free agency, and the draft as they re-tool for next season with eyes set on championship contention.
Yet this part of the year also yields a point of intrigue for eliminated teams: the NFL awards.
The league announced their final selections to the Pro Bowl on Monday, and fans are up in arms over one controversial inclusion. Shedeur Sanders, the rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, received a nod to the game.
The news prompted Shawne Merriman, who played six years with the Chargers and was nominated to three Pro Bowls, to air out his grievances on social media. Although he did not mention Sanders by name, it's clear what his comments were in reference to.
I have a Pro Bowl helmet that I walk by almost everyday. It’s signed by some of the best players in the history of the NFL, legends, HOF’ers and real GOAT’s. The Pro Bowl use to be a badge of honor and respected. Things have changed
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) January 26, 2026
Shawne Merriman reveals what's wrong with the Pro Bowl in the modern era
As Merriman says, the Pro Bowl used to be a badge of honor worn by players. Although his career was derailed as a result of injuries, the bruising linebacker had a sublime first three years in San Diego.
Across his first 37 games in the league, he amassed 39.5 sacks, 188 combined tackles, and 37 QB hits. He was a monster on the defensive side of the ball, and he was rewarded Defensive Rookie of the Year and three All-Pro nods to go along with his Pro Bowl selections.
Of course, it's not Sanders fault that he was selected. But his selection does say something significant about the state of the award.
Through the eight games he played in, Sanders posted a stat line of 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns on a 56.6 completion percentage. He threw 10 interceptions in that span, taking Cleveland to a 3-4 record.
Without a doubt, this is not a Pro Bowl-worthy quarterback.
But how many players had to turn down the honor for it to fall to Sanders? Sure, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, and a number of other players are dealing with ailments and injuries. But is it truly not considered an honor to participate in the game anymore? Can players not be bothered to sacrifice the beginning of their offseason?
The NFL must realize the damage they are doing to the brand by trivializing the Pro Bowl in this manner. With former players beginning to speak out against it, perhaps there is change on the horizon.