All-Pro

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All-Pro is an annual honor given to the NFL’s best players at each position for that season. It is awarded by several media organizations, with the Associated Press (AP) All-Pro team being the most widely recognized today. Each year, voters choose a first team and often a second team, naming the top players at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, offensive line, tight end, center, kickers, punters, return specialists, and defensive and special-teams players.

All-Pro is not an official NFL award, but it is generally viewed as more prestigious than the Pro Bowl. The Pro Bowl invites many players into an all-star game, and some selections become alternates if players cannot participate or make it to the Super Bowl. All-Pro lists do not have alternates.

History and organizations: The idea began in the 1920s with writers voting on the best players. The NFL ran official All-Pro teams from 1931 to 1942. Since then, many organizations have published All-Pro lists, including the NEA (players’ poll, 1955–1992), PFWA (since 1966), UPI (through 1997), and others. In 2022, the NFL Players Association began a Players’ All-Pro team chosen by players themselves. In 2020, a new rule tie-in with the CBA linked being named to the AP or PFWA first team to the awarding of compensatory draft picks for teams losing free agents.

Format changes: In 2016 the AP added more precise offensive-line positions and a flex spot; in 2020 the flex spot was replaced with a third wide receiver. Since 2022, voters name both first- and second-team selections.

Different organizations have competed for recognition over the years, but the AP remains the most widely cited source for All-Pro honors today.