FOXBORO — Matt Judon’s cellphone rang round 6 p.m. Wednesday. The caller ID learn “Bill Belichick.”
Two hours earlier than the NFL was scheduled to announce its newest Pro Bowl rosters, Belichick was calling with information. Judon had made the AFC workforce for the fourth 12 months in a row.
“I was excited. Things like this, you can’t take ’em for granted, even if you’ve been there before. Every year’s a new year, and every opportunity you get in the league, you earn,” Judon mentioned Thursday. “You just can’t take anything for granted in this league. There’s a lot of good players in this league, and just to be voted in between the fans and your peers and the coaches, you’re just very thankful for what you earn.”
Judon’s fourth consecutive Pro Bowl honor can be his second straight with the Patriots. After setting a profession excessive in sacks final 12 months, he reset that non-public greatest with 14.5 this season. As of late, nonetheless, Judon has slowed down, notching only one strain in two of the Pats’ final three video games. Judon took duty for his lack of manufacturing Thursday, because the workforce heads right into a make-or-break sport for its playoff hopes Saturday versus Cincinnati.
“I’ve gotta get the quarterback on the ground. … And I didn’t do that (Sunday),” he mentioned. “Gotta be better.”
The Patriots nonetheless have three video games to go, although it’s doable Judon will stay their solely Pro Bowler, even after gamers drop out or can not take part within the 2023 Pro Bowl video games as a result of they’re enjoying within the Super Bowl.
Following fan voting, particular teamer Matthew Slater appeared primed to make his eleventh Pro Bowl. Instead, the Pats had one or zero gamers chosen for the primary time since 2000.
Source: www.bostonherald.com