When the original Pro Bowl members were announced, only Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly heard his name called. The veteran linebacker led the team in tackles, assists and interceptions for the season despite missing one and a half games during the year.
His fifth consecutive nomination, Kuechly was also named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the New York Jets which included a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Kuechly also earned a first team All-Pro recognition for 2017, his fourth in only six seasons with the Panthers.
Panthers guard, Andrew Norwell also earned first team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career but wasn’t granted an invite to the Pro Bowl.