NFL Pro Bowl selections reminder of Oklahoma's football status

Oh, yeah, the University of Oklahoma is still good at football and always has been.

The NFL on Thursday announced its selections for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, and six former Sooners were included between the NFC and AFC, plus maybe the biggest snub of the year with Baker Mayfield. The Sooners had five selections last year, which was the third-most from the same program.

The six selections this year were the second-most from any school behind only Alabama's 10.

Sooners who made the cut this year included Nik Bonitto, Creed Humphrey, Lane Johnson, CeeDee Lamb, Marvin Mims Jr. and Joe Mixon.

After enduring a 6-7 season and OU's second losing record in three years, these Pro Bowl selections were a small reminder that the Sooners are still relevant in American football. Two losing seasons, which were the first since 1999, are just a blip during a storied tradition.

At one point during this NFL season, there were five former OU quarterbacks leading an NFL offense. Mayfield and Jalen Hurts will both likely be leading their teams in the NFL playoffs again. Two former Sooners, Bonitto and Mims, have revitalized the Denvers Broncos franchise and also have them fighting for a playoff spot.

There's a strong foundation there that cannot crumble after just two poor seasons or even under one head coach. That past also influences a promising future for the Sooners.

Nik Bonitto, LB, Denver Broncos

Making his first Pro Bowl in his third season, Nik Bonitto is also a candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He has wrangled in 11.5 sacks, which is the fourth-most in the NFL and the most by a Bronco since 2018. He also has 45 tackles and two forced fumbles.

Most notably, Bonitto has a pair of defensive touchdowns thanks to a pick-6 and fumble return (that seemed to be an INT). He truly does it all.

Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City Chiefs

For the third year in a row, Creed Humphrey is a Pro Bowler. Humphrey is a vital piece for the Chiefs at center. He leads all NFL centers with 1,112 snaps this season.

Lane Johnson, OT, Philadelphia Eagles

Doing a heck of a job protecting Jale Hurts, Lane Johnson made his sixth Pro Bowl. Only Jason Kelce and Jason Peters have more Pro Bowl selections as Eagles offensive linemen.

Johnson has made the last three straight straight Pro Bowls.

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Despite getting shut down before the season even ended and catching passes from backup quarterback Cooper Rush most of the time, CeeDee Lamb is still a Pro Bowler for the fourth year in a year. His rookie year was the only time Lamb wasn't a Pro Bowl selection.

In 15 games, Lamb had 101 receptions, 1,194 receiving yards and six TDs. A shoulder injury ended Lamb's season two games early.

Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Denver Broncos

Marvin Mims Jr. made his second Pro Bowl as a return man after leading the NFL with 408 punt return yards and 15.7 yards a return.

Mims hasn't just been dangerous as a return man, though. As a receiver, Mims has caught 34 passes for 452 yards and four TDs. He just caught two TDs on Saturday against the Denver Broncos.

Joe Mixon, RB, Houston Texans

In his first season with the Houston Texans, Mixon made his second Pro Bowl. He has shouldered the Texans' offense, rushing for 995 yards and 11 TDs while missing three games.