It has not always been pretty, but Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers have once again found ways to get the job done. In a season filled with twists, frustration, and moments of doubt, resilience has carried this team forward. An impressive 29–24 win against the Detroit Lions in Week 16 felt like a turning point—proof that Pittsburgh was peaking at the right time. Then came Tuesday, and with it, news that reinforced what fans have felt all along: the work has not gone unnoticed.
Three Steelers were named to the AFC Pro Bowl team for the 2025 season—safety Jalen Ramsey, outside linebacker T.J. Watt, and special teams standout Ben Skowronek.
Each selection tells its own story.
Pittsburgh’s Pro Bowl representation is dominated by defenders under coordinator Teryl Austin, a unit that has struggled in key moments this season. There were breakdowns, missed assignments, and stretches where the once-feared Steel Curtain identity felt distant. But even when the unit bent—or broke—Ramsey and Watt did everything in their power to uphold tradition.
Ramsey’s impact has been immediate and unmistakable. His versatility in the secondary has allowed Pittsburgh to disguise coverages and compete against elite passing attacks. With 46 tackles, Ramsey sits among the top five on the team, consistently inserting himself into plays others couldn’t reach. His one interception arrived at a critical moment, reminding opponents that mistakes near him are costly.
Then there’s Watt, the heartbeat of the defense. Even by his own lofty standards, his season has been relentless. Watt’s 22 tackles and 10 tackles for loss have once again anchored Pittsburgh’s defensive line. He and Ramsey combined for ten sacks, and when chaos erupted up front, it was usually No. 90 creating it. In a year where defensive consistency wavered, Watt’s motor never did.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Pro-Bowl participants have played key roles through the 2025 season
It’s easy for fans to point fingers at star players when defensive meltdowns occur.
Expectations are high in Pittsburgh, especially for players asked to lead. But the truth is simple: Ramsey and Watt have been doing their jobs—and doing them well—every single week.
Ben Skowronek’s Pro Bowl nod might surprise outsiders, but Steelers fans know better. His selection is a celebration of effort, versatility, and selflessness. Skowronek embodies the definition of an unconditional grinder. Whether lining up on offense, contributing on special teams, or throwing his body into coverage units, his presence is always felt.
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This season, Skowronek has emerged as a reliable target for Aaron Rodgers, hauling in keyreceptions and scoring a touchdown when the offense needed it most. His contributions don’t stop there. With 20 tackles on special teams, he has quietly flipped field position and swung momentum in Pittsburgh’s favor more times than the stat sheet can capture. Recognition from league officials only confirms what the locker room already knew.
As the Steelers near the end of a roller-coaster campaign, it’s hard to deny that Ramsey, Watt, and Skowronek have been the heart and soul of a team searching for its groove. They represent toughness, accountability, and pride—values woven into the fabric of this franchise.
They deserve the Pro Bowl honors. But knowing this group, the recognition is secondary. The real hope in Pittsburgh is that these three are busy preparing for higher aspirations—ones that don’t end in Orlando, but on football’s biggest stage.