Pittsburgh Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith posted Pro Bowl-worthy numbers during the 2022 season. With 14.5 sacks, 12 TFLs, and a league-leading 5 forced fumbles, he certainly deserved it, but voters favored T.J. Watt. In case you forgot, Watt missed much of the season due to injury and put up pedestrian numbers.
Still, Highsmith persevered and arguably played even better on the whole in 2023 without producing at the same level. His numbers dropped to seven sacks, eight TFLs, and two fumbles, though he added two interceptions. And he admitted that the production numbers do affect him, for better or worse.