Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and outside linebacker T.J. Watt have been selected for the 2023 Pro Bowl, the NFL announced on Wednesday.
Fitzpatrick is designated as a starter in the roster sheet. This season, Fitzpatrick has four interceptions and pick six. The All-Pro has returned to form and is well on his way to not just the Pro Bowl, but a likely All-Pro selection with his strong play throughout the season. For Fitzpatrick, this is his third Pro Bowl.
Watt is listed behind Khalil Mack and Matt Judon on the starting list for outside linebackers. Despite only playing seven games, Watt is still going, and he has been on a tear with 2.5 sacks in his last two games. He does get the nod over teammate Alex Highsmith, however, who has 11 sacks and is listed as an alternate for the position. For Watt, this will be his fifth Pro Bowl appearance.
Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, fullback Derek Watt, and defensive lineman Cam Heyward were named as four Pro Bowl alternates. For Freiermuth and Watt, it would be their first appearance in the Pro Bowl. However, for the grizzled veteran in Heyward, it could be his sixth appearance in the game.
All in all, that brings the Steelers to two selections with more possible on the way. Minkah Fitzpatrick is certainly deserving of the honor, while it could be argued that Highsmith should be heading to the game over Watt.