As fan voting for the 2021 Pro Bowl rolls on, the Steelers continue to demonstrate why their supporters are some of the best in football.
Pittsburgh leads all clubs in total votes received for the annual all star game, edging out the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt continues to lead his position overall, regardless of conference, with 162,300 total votes. The next closest outside linebacker is the Bears’ Khalil Mack with 99,564.
Watt’s lead is no surprise, as the star pass rusher is once again a bonafide Defensive Player of the Year candidate. He leads the league with 12 sacks and 19 tackles-for-loss, while also notching a pick and a forced fumble.
Free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick also leads his position league-wide with 160,406 votes, crushing the Giants’ Logan Ryan, who has garnered just 67,606.
Fitzpatrick continues to be a game-changer and ball hawk in the Steelers secondary, having intercepted four passes this season and returning one for a touchdown.
Lastly, Steelers long snapper Kameron Canaday still paces his position with 93,480 total votes received.
As for the rest of the league, Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes leads all players with 261,309 total votes, while Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett paces defensive players league-wide with 180,723.
While the physical Pro Bowl game will not be played as planned in Las Vegas on Jan. 31, the league still intends to honor players for their outstanding play during the 2020 season.
Any recognition for Pro Bowlers will likely take place in a virtual setting, as the league continues to ensure safety during the ongoing pandemic.