In an exciting announcement, the NFL has unveiled its roster for the 2026 Pro Bowl, showcasing three standout players from the Buffalo Bills. This prestigious event, known as the Pro Bowl Games and sponsored by Verizon, is set to occur during the week of Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area. Among the highlights will be a thrilling flag football matchup between the AFC and NFC, along with various activities that celebrate the incredible talents of players throughout the league.
The selection process for the 88-player roster involved fan voting, which took place from Thursday, November 27, to Monday, December 15. The finalized rosters were made official on Tuesday, December 23. Buffalo’s quarterback Josh Allen, running back James Cook III, and left tackle Dion Dawkins have all secured their spots on the AFC team.
Josh Allen's Remarkable Season
Leading the pack, quarterback Josh Allen topped the fan vote among all quarterbacks in the NFL this year. As of 2025, he has already thrown for an impressive 3,406 yards, scoring 25 touchdowns through 296 completions, resulting in a completion percentage of 69.6%. On top of his passing prowess, Allen also demonstrated his rushing capabilities, amassing 552 yards and finding the end zone 12 times over 105 carries in the first 15 games.
Throughout the season, Allen has been recognized for his outstanding performances, earning the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award three times (in Weeks 1, 11, and 14). Notably, his Week 14 achievement marked his 18th career award, coming after a remarkable comeback effort.
For example, in the opening week, the Bills found themselves trailing 40-25 with just over 11 minutes left in the game. Allen rallied the team back with both a passing and a rushing touchdown, closing the gap to just two points. Ultimately, he led the offense downfield to set up kicker Matt Prater for a game-winning field goal, clinching a thrilling 41-40 victory. Later, against the Bengals in Week 14, Allen orchestrated an impressive comeback, leading five consecutive touchdown drives for a final score of 39-34, taking the lead in the fourth quarter.
Moreover, Allen is on the cusp of breaking yet another record: he is just one touchdown away from becoming the youngest player in NFL history to reach 300 regular season touchdowns. He already made headlines in September by becoming the fastest player to achieve 300 combined regular and postseason touchdowns.
James Cook III's Stellar Performance
Running back James Cook III has been a key contributor to the Bills' success, playing a pivotal role in establishing the team as the best rushing offense in the league. Through 2025, Cook has rushed for an astonishing 1,532 yards and scored 12 touchdowns on 287 carries, while also contributing significantly in the passing game with 32 receptions for 288 yards and two more touchdowns.
Cook's standout performance came in Week 8, where he was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after a phenomenal game against the Carolina Panthers. In that match, he rushed for a career-high 216 yards on just 19 carries, alongside two touchdowns, leading the Bills to a dominant 40-9 victory on the road.
This impressive outing is just one of many, as Cook has recorded nine games with over 100 rushing yards up to Week 16. During Weeks 2 to 4, he had consecutive games with yardage totals of 132, 108, and 117 against the Jets, Dolphins, and Saints, respectively. Following his performance against the Panthers, Cook continued his momentum with a 114-yard game against Kansas City, consistently achieving over 100 rushing yards in subsequent games against Houston, Pittsburgh, New England, and Cleveland. The Bills have an impressive record of 8-1 when Cook surpasses the 100-yard mark in a game this season.
Dion Dawkins: The Backbone of the Line
Left tackle Dion Dawkins has been a reliable force on the Bills' offensive line throughout 2025. His veteran presence has been essential in protecting quarterback Josh Allen, especially in crucial matchups like the recent game against the formidable defensive end Myles Garrett, who was chasing the single-season sack record.
Beyond safeguarding Allen, Dawkins and his fellow offensive linemen have been instrumental in creating opportunities for Cook and the rest of the running backs. As the season stands at Week 16, the Bills lead the league in rushing yards per game, averaging an impressive 158.9 yards, and rank second in average yards per rush at 5.1.
Looking ahead, excitement builds for the Pro Bowl Games. The preview event kicks off on Sunday, February 1, showcasing player stories and rosters from the AFC and NFC. Tune into the NFL Live special airing at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN, followed by additional Pro Bowl coverage starting at noon ET on ABC.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 3, when the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, including the much-anticipated flag football event, will be broadcast live on ESPN beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET. The flag football game itself is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and fans can also catch the action on Disney XD and ESPN Deportes, in addition to ESPN.
