Four former Badgers make the Pro Bowl

The Wisconsin Badgers haven’t seen great success over the past few seasons, but there are still quite a few talented former players in the NFL.

This year’s Pro Bowl selection revealed that, as four former Badgers made the Pro Bowl: Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, and Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike.

Watt had been having a solid year, but is on track for his lowest sack total since 2022 (currently at seven in 13 games). He’s missed the last two games after suffering a partially collapsed lung that required surgery. Still, he’s also had 53 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, and three forced fumbles.

Taylor has been one of the NFL’s best running backs this year for a Colts offense that surged atop the NFL before waning in recent weeks due to quarterback injuries. Still, Taylor leads in the NFL in carries (288) and rushing touchdowns (17), and is second in the NFL in rushing yards (1,489) while averaging a stellar 5.2 yards per carry.

Baun earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl honor, as he’s put up 117 tackles, six tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, and 3.5 sacks in 15 games so far.

Dike earned the honor for special teams, as he’s been Tennessee’s returner as a rookie, while also carving out a role as a receiver. He leads the NFL in yards per punt return (18.2) and has two punt return touchdowns. He’s also leading the NFL in kickoff returns and kickoff return yards, averaging 25.6 yards per return.