Matthew Stafford Finally Gets His Due With First All-Pro Selection
After 17 seasons in the NFL, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has earned his first All-Pro honor, receiving 31 first-place votes to edge out New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in what could preview the MVP race. The 37-year-old led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, cementing his place on the 2025 NFL All-Pro team.
"I did not see that coming," Stafford said upon hearing the news. "Played a lot of years. A lot of respect for this game."
Historic Achievement Among Legends
Stafford is only the second player ever to earn his first All-Pro selection in his 17th season or later, joining kicker Gary Anderson, who achieved the feat in 1998. The distinction underscores how difficult it is for veterans to reach this exclusive milestone, with quarterback Fran Tarkenton previously holding the longest wait at 15 seasons before his first All-Pro nod in 1975.
All-Pro Team Leadership and Standouts
The 2025 NFL All-Pro team showcases dynamic talent across the board. Running back Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons earned his first first-team honor, while tight end Trey McBride received an impressive 49 of 50 first-place votes. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase secured the third receiver spot on the all pro roster, and Stafford’s Rams teammate Puka Nacua made the cut as a first-team selection.
The all pro selections also highlight defensive excellence. Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett broke the NFL’s single-season sack record with 23 sacks and earned his fifth All-Pro honor. Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks and Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell represent the linebacker position, while Derek Stingley Jr. of the Houston Texans led all cornerbacks with 41 first-place votes.
Defensive Anchors and Record-Breaking Performances
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton and Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard complete the secondary on the all pro team. Linebacker Parsons, a three-time first-teamer, was sidelined after suffering a torn ACL that will keep him out of playoff contention.
The Denver Broncos dominated the AP All-Pro selections as the AFC’s No. 1 seed, placing four first-team players on the all pro teams: Josh Allen, left tackle Garett Bolles, left guard Quinn Meinerz, and special teams contributor Devon Key.
First-Timers and Rising Stars
Eighteen players earned their first All-Pro selection, with five special teams contributors among the newcomers. Tennessee Titans rookie punt returner Chimere Dike became the fourth rookie since 2020 to make the all pro rosters.
"That’s awesome," Dike said. "Everyone wants to be All-Pro one day and that’s one of the goals I set at the beginning of the season."
Repeat selections include Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, Bears left guard Joe Thuney, and Lions right tackle Penei Sewell, demonstrating the consistency required to maintain elite status year after year.
