FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons special teamer KhaDarel Hodge and right guard Chris Lindstrom were named to the 2025 Pro Bowl Games.
The NFL released the NFC and AFC rosters Thursday morning.
This is Hodge's first time receiving the honor, while it's Lindstrom's third in a row.
"It's always an honor when those guys have the opportunity to go be a part of anything Pro Bowl related," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday. "That's always pretty cool for us."
Hodge, who also plays wide receiver, has had a season full of highlights. During the Falcons' Week 4 win against the New Orleans Saints, Hodge recovered a muffed punt in the end zone for a touchdown. In overtime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5, Hodge caught a 45-yard, walk-off touchdown. And during the Falcons' Week 15 win against the Las Vegas Raiders, Hodge got his hands on not just one but two punts, officially blocking one and tipping another. That last performance earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
"Hodge works his tail off," Falcons punter Bradley Pinion said Dec. 16. "Phenomenal teammate. Phenomenal gunner. Phenomenal wide receiver. I mean, he's an all-around good guy."
Lindstrom, meanwhile, has put together a strong but more under-the-radar season. He's excelled in pass protection this season, allowing just one sack, which is tied for the fewest among NFL right guards. Lindstrom is also widely considered one of the best run blockers in the league, as evidenced by the success Atlanta has had on the ground this season. Being consistent is what matters most for a lineman, though, and Lindstrom has been just that for the Falcons. He's taken 1,020 offensive snaps (96%). Just two other linemen have taken more – left tackle Jake Matthews (1,039) and left guard Matthew Bergeron (1,026). They're actually the only three players on offense who have taken more than 1,000 snaps.
"You can go with Chris Lindstrom in any Pro Bowl," Morris said.
Also from the Falcons, safety Jessie Bates and running back Bijan Robinson are the No. 1 alternatives for their respective position groups.
Pro Bowl selections were based on votes from players, coaches and fans. For the third consecutive year, the game will operate in a new format over the previous iteration. Instead of a tackle football game, there will be a flag football game scheduled for Feb. 2 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. In the week leading up to the main event, there will be skill competitions to highlight players' athletic abilities.
"There's always guys on your team that you feel like are worthy," Morris said. "We got a great selection panel and how we do it. I love the way the NFL does it."
The Falcons have now had 81 players selected since the Pro Bowl's inception in 1951.
