Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Controversy erupted across Philadelphia Eagles Nation after the 2025 Pro Bowl rosters were announced. While several Eagles were honored, one undeniable “cornerstone” of the team – Saquon Barkley (RB) – was largely overlooked. Despite being the Offensive Player of the Year last season and a rushing powerhouse this year, Barkley was named only a third alternate, failing to make the initial roster. Analysts across the league, including Pro Football Network and CBS, listed him among the top snubs of the season.

Barkley’s impact this season has been monumental. As the primary back for Philadelphia, he has dominated with elite rushing performances, consistently powering the Eagles’ offense and creating opportunities for teammates. Yet, the Pro Bowl selection did not reflect his contributions, sparking frustration among fans and team insiders.

Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce, a pillar of the Eagles’ franchise and a vocal advocate for player recognition, did not hold back. He expressed strong disapproval of Barkley’s omission, emphasizing the importance of recognizing players who anchor a team’s success. Kelce shared with the media:

“If not him, I don’t think anyone in the NFL deserves it more. His impact goes beyond the stats – he makes everyone around him better, and that is something every fan and player should see and respect.”

Analysts agreed with Kelce’s sentiment. While Barkley may not fill the stat sheet with flashy receptions or touchdown totals compared to quarterbacks or wide receivers, his contributions in the ground game have been critical to Philadelphia’s dominance. Barkley has consistently created space, forced defenses to adjust, and helped maintain the balance and efficiency of the Eagles’ offense.

This oversight highlights a recurring theme in the NFL: players who excel in foundational roles, doing the hard work that enables stars to shine, are often underappreciated in individual awards and recognitions.

Kelce’s reaction resonates not only with the Eagles’ locker room but also with the larger Eagles fanbase, reinforcing the message that leadership, effort, and excellence — even when less visible — deserve acknowledgment. The debate around Barkley’s Pro Bowl snub continues to spark conversation throughout NFL circles, highlighting the tension between statistics, perception, and true on-field impact.