All-Pro

All-Pro is a term predominantly used in American football to describe the best players at each position during a given season. Players selected as All-Pro are typically chosen by sports journalists, coaches, and other professionals, which distinguishes them as top performers in their field. The selection is made through various committees and organizations, with the most recognized being the All-Pro Team selected by the Associated Press (AP).

Selection Process

The process of selecting All-Pro players involves a panel of sportswriters who vote on who they believe are the best players in the NFL at each position over the course of the season. The AP All-Pro Team, for example, is selected by a national panel of 50 sports writers. Other organizations, such as the Sporting News and the Pro Football Writers of America, also select All-Pro teams, but the AP selections are widely regarded as the most prestigious.

Categories

All-Pro players are selected for both the offensive and defensive positions, and sometimes special teams positions as well. The typical positions include:

• Quarterback
• Running Back
• Wide Receiver
• Tight End
• Offensive Linemen (including tackles, guards, and centers)
• Defensive Linemen (including defensive ends and defensive tackles)
• Linebackers
• Defensive Backs (including cornerbacks and safeties)
• Kicker
• Punter
• Special Teams (non-kicker or punter positions)

Significance

Being named to an All-Pro team is considered a significant honor. Unlike the Pro Bowl, which accounts for players from both the AFC and NFC and includes players selected as alternates due to injuries or those opting out, the All-Pro team is a singular list that represents the best at each position, irrespective of conference. This makes the All-Pro selection a more exclusive and prestigious recognition compared to the Pro Bowl.

Historical Context

The concept of an All-Pro team dates back to the early days of professional football, with the first selections being made in the 1920s. Over the decades, the criteria and processes for selection have evolved, but the fundamental idea of recognizing outstanding player performance has remained constant.

Impact on Players' Careers

Achieving All-Pro status can have a significant impact on a player's career, influencing contract negotiations, endorsements, and their legacy within the sport. Players who are repeatedly selected as All-Pro are often considered for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame following their playing career.

Recent Developments

In recent years, there has been discussion about the voting process and transparency of the All-Pro selections. Some argue for more clarity on how votes are cast and tallied, and whether the process could be improved to ensure the most deserving players are recognized.

See Also

• Pro Bowl
• Pro Football Hall of Fame
• NFL MVP