The Buffalo Bills saw three top members of the offense earn trips to the Pro Bowl, but many believe a fourth should have earned a role.
The Pro Bowl rosters were announced on Dec. 23, with Bills quarterback Josh Allen, running back James Cook, and left tackle Dion Dawkins all earning return trips. The Bills didn’t have any other players on either side of the ball selected, with one unsung hero getting snubbed for a second straight year.
No Love for Fullback Reggie Gilliam
Heading into Tuesday’s announcement of the Pro Bowl rosters, many Bills insiders believed that fullback Reggie Gilliam had a strong chance to earn his first-ever trip. The sixth-year fullback plays an important role in Buffalo’s offense, clearing the way for Cook during his record-breaking season.
Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard instead earned the spot for the AFC, which didn’t sit well with WGR reporter Sal Capaccio. He noted that Ricard hasn’t even played a full season, instead getting in largely on name recognition.
“For what Reggie Gilliam has meant to the Bills top rushing offense in the NFL, being passed over for the Pro Bowl for a guy who played only nine games is ridiculous,” Capaccio shared in a post on X. “I donât normally care for these sorts of things, but some guys deserve recognition they donât normally get”
Reporter Greg Vorse added that Gilliam is the lead blocker for two of the league’s most accomplished rushers — Cook and Allen.
“One fullback has blocked for the NFLâs leading rusher and TWO players in the top 5 in rushing touchdowns – Reggie Gilliam,” Vorse shared on X. “He was beaten by a guy who played 9 games for a playoffless team. The system is broken!”
Gilliam doesn’t fill the stat sheet for the Bills, often making more tackles on special teams than rushing yards gained. He has just one reception this season for two yards and no carries. He has a total of six carries for 10 yards over his career, adding 15 receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns.
Josh Allen Returns to Pro Bowl for Fourth Season
Allen earned his fourth career trip to the Pro Bowl, though has fallen out of the race for another NFL honor. He was once among the top candidates to earn a second straight MVP trophy before falling off in recent weeks as Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford took the lead.
Allen is instead pushing for his teammate to take home the award. After Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns, Allen said he believes Cook deserves to win the MVP trophy this year.
âHeâs the best back in football. I donât know how the awards will shake out, but he should be in the running for every award. He makes our offense go,â Allen said.
Cook has 1,532 rushing yards this year, moving into first place in the league this week and passing Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
Cook said he believes he still has room to grow this year.
âYeah, but thereâs a lot of room for improvement,â Cook said. âIt ainât over yet, so we just gotta keep going.â
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