Two Returning Pro Bowlers Achieve Jets' Rarity
Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams added their names to a part of New York Jets' franchise history on Wednesday evening.
Both defensive standouts earned a trip to the Pro Bowl Games for the second year in a row, achieving rare feats in the process. Gardner and Williams were named AFC starters when the NFL announced its 2023 all-star selections, which are determined by a combination of votes from fans, players and coaches.
Gardner, the Jets' CB1, becomes only the second player in franchise history to earn his way to the Pro Bowl in his first two seasons. Accomplishing the feat in 1988 and 1989, safety Erik McMillan made back-to-back trips to the all-star showcase more than three decades ago.
"That's what I'm here for. I'm trying to make history, trying to make history every year," said Gardner via the team's official website.
The 23-year-old Gardner, who missed one game due to a concussion, has allowed only one touchdown this season. With almost every quarterback opting to rarely throw his way, the lockdown cornerback limits opposing receivers to 6.1 yards per target. He has played 994 snaps over 15 games.
"It's a blessing to be able to play this game I love and a blessing to be in the Pro Bowl," said Gardner.
The 26-year-old Williams, a game-changing defensive tackle, celebrates his second straight trip to the Pro Bowl Games, joining the likes of Hall-of-Famer Joe Klecko and former first-rounder John Abraham. They are the only three defensive linemen in Jets' history to capture back-to-back Pro Bowl selections.
"The reason I signed back and why I go out there every single day is because guys like them set the standard in the NFL and for the Jets organization to do what they did and for me to do what I do today," said Williams to Jets' reporter Randy Lange.
Williams signed a mega four-year contract extension this past July and has lived up to his pay grade thus far. The interior lineman has been stout against the run while also showing ability to pressure the passer. Williams has made 51 stops on rushing attempts this season, including knocking the ball carrier for a loss seven times. Although his sacks total (3.5) has significantly dropped from his 2022 career high (12.0), the defensive centerpiece has created ample opportunities for the team's edge rushers.
Both Pro Bowlers are examples of New York's draft success. The Jets selected Williams at No. 3 overall in 2019 and used the No. 4 overall pick to draft Gardner in 2022. They are the first Gang Green teammates to make back-to-back Pro Bowls together since Darrelle Revis and Nick Mangold one dozen years ago.
There was a loud social media reaction when Williams's deserving brother Quincy was named a fifth alternate. The linebacker has enjoyed a career year and has been deemed all-star worthy by head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
The 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games are set for February 1-4 in Orlando.
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