Steelers’ Brown unanimous pick for all-pro team
The stunning turnaround by the Jacksonville Jaguars shows best in the NFL standings — and on the allpro team.
Rarely do the Jaguars have members of the elite all-pro squad. For 2017, they have two: pass rusher Calais Campbell and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
“It’s huge,” Campbell said. “That’s a big testament to the work we put in. We don’t just show up and perform. We grind day in and day out to be the best. This defense is very special, so I’m glad to see us get some accolades for our hard work.”
Ramsey said of The Associated Press all-pro team announced Friday:
“I can go on and on about corners I respect and I think are really good in the league. But I think (the voters) realize that I cover No. 1s every week, that I’m still putting up high numbers, still playing very well in my role and doing what I have to do.”
What Campbell and Ramsey did was help the Jaguars rank first in pass defense and second overall, earning their first playoff berth since the 2007 season.
One player, Antonio Brown, was the only unanimous choice for all-pro. The brilliant wide receiver of the Pittsburgh Steelers drew all 50 ballots from a nationwide panel of media members who regularly cover the NFL. Brown missed the last two-plus games with an ankle injury.
He was among four players to make a fourth all-pro squad, joining New England tight end Rob Gronkowski, Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly and Los Angeles Rams punter Johnny Hekker.
The repeaters from 2016 were Brown and Hekker; Rams interior defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who received 49 votes; and Seattle linebacker Bobby Wagner.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady made his third all-pro team.
In their own turnaround season, the Rams led with six all-pro selections, including two more specialists: place-kicker Greg Zuerlein and kick returner Pharoh Cooper. Running back Todd Gurley and offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth also were honored.
“Dang, that’s crazy. It means a lot, honestly,” said Gurley, who likely would have led the league in rushing had he played in L.A.’s finale. “It’s a blessing. I’ve got so much respect for everybody in this league, and to be in this position just means so much to me.
“I’ve been following people around the NFL my whole life, and to be considered as an all-pro, man, God is good, honestly.”
Two rookies made it: punt returner Jamal Agnew of Detroit and special-teamer Budda Baker of Arizona.