Four Georgia Bulldogs qualify for the NFL Pro Bowl in 2025.

Four Georgia Bulldogs Qualify for the NFL Pro Bowl in 2025: A Testament to UGA’s Legacy

The University of Georgia (UGA) has long been a factory for producing NFL-caliber talent, and the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl serves as yet another testament to the program’s ability to develop elite athletes. With four former Bulldogs earning spots in the prestigious game, it’s clear that Georgia’s dominance in college football is being replicated at the professional level. These four players have transcended the collegiate ranks, making an immediate impact in the NFL and demonstrating the value of the foundation they built while playing in Athens.

As one of the most storied football programs in the country, UGA continues to set a high standard in producing not only NFL-ready players but also individuals who can contribute immediately and make their mark on the biggest stage. This article will take a closer look at the four Bulldogs selected for the 2025 Pro Bowl, highlighting their careers, their contributions to their respective teams, and the legacy they are continuing as Georgia football continues to thrive in the NFL.

1. Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Carter is one of the most dominant defensive linemen to ever come out of Georgia, and his performance in the NFL has lived up to the hype. A key part of Georgia’s 2021 and 2022 national championship teams, Carter was widely regarded as one of the most disruptive players in college football before entering the NFL as a top draft pick. After being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles, Carter has quickly cemented himself as one of the most feared defensive tackles in the league.

Standing at 6’3” and weighing 310 pounds, Carter combines rare strength, quickness, and explosiveness that makes him nearly impossible to block. His ability to collapse the pocket, stuff the run, and rush the quarterback with consistent pressure has been on full display throughout the 2025 season. Carter’s combination of size, athleticism, and technique has made him an instant contributor to the Eagles’ defensive line, and his Pro Bowl selection is a well-deserved recognition of his impact on the field.

What makes Carter so special is his versatility. He is capable of lining up at multiple spots along the defensive line, allowing his coaches to use him in different ways to exploit matchups. Whether it’s as a pass-rusher on the edge or as a run-stopper in the middle, Carter has the ability to dominate in multiple facets of the game. His selection to the Pro Bowl reflects his status as one of the league’s top interior defensive linemen, and it’s clear that he is one of the building blocks for the Eagles’ defense.

Carter’s success in the NFL is a direct result of the development he received at Georgia. Under defensive coordinator Dan Lanning and head coach Kirby Smart, Carter’s game was honed to perfection, and it’s no surprise that he’s been able to transition so seamlessly into the NFL. As Georgia continues to produce top-tier defensive talent, Jalen Carter’s journey serves as one of the most shining examples of the program’s commitment to developing elite defensive players.

2. George Pickens – Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers

While Georgia’s offense was often overshadowed by its dominant defense, wide receiver George Pickens consistently showcased his exceptional talent during his time in Athens. Pickens was a key weapon for Georgia in their 2021 national championship run, making highlight-reel catches and showing the kind of physicality and route-running ability that would eventually lead him to the NFL.

After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickens wasted no time proving himself as a major asset to the team’s offense. Standing at 6’3” and possessing a 4.47 40-yard dash time, Pickens has the ideal combination of size, speed, and agility to make plays on the field. His ball skills and ability to win contested catches have quickly made him a go-to target for Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett.

In 2025, Pickens has continued to elevate his game to new heights, earning his first Pro Bowl selection after a dominant season. He has shown an ability to stretch the field, making spectacular catches in tight coverage, while also being a reliable option for chain-moving receptions. His ability to make plays in all areas of the field—whether it’s on deep routes, short quick-hitters, or contested balls in the red zone—has made him one of the top wide receivers in the league.

Pickens’ success in Pittsburgh has been a continuation of the foundation laid during his time at Georgia. Under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Pickens developed a well-rounded game, refining his route-running and becoming a more complete player. His selection to the Pro Bowl is not only a recognition of his individual talent but also a testament to the culture of success at Georgia, where players like Pickens are developed into future stars.

3. Travon Walker – Outside Linebacker, Jacksonville Jaguars

Travon Walker was one of the most highly anticipated prospects coming out of Georgia’s historically great 2021 defense, and his selection to the 2025 Pro Bowl proves that his immense potential is being fully realized in the NFL. After being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars as the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Walker has quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic young pass rushers in the league.

Standing at 6’5” and weighing 272 pounds, Walker has the perfect frame for an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. His combination of size, speed, and agility allows him to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks and make plays all over the field. Walker is a versatile defender who can line up on the edge, rush the passer, and even drop into coverage when needed. His ability to disrupt offenses with his physicality and athleticism has earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl, as he continues to develop into one of the league’s premier edge rushers.

At Georgia, Walker was known for his raw athleticism and relentless motor, often being tasked with taking on multiple responsibilities on the defense. Under the tutelage of Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Dan Lanning, Walker’s game evolved to a point where he became one of the most well-rounded defenders in the country. In the NFL, that versatility has allowed him to adapt to a variety of defensive schemes and succeed at the next level.

As Jacksonville continues to build its defense around Walker, his selection to the Pro Bowl serves as a testament to the program at Georgia that helped shape him into one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL. It’s clear that Walker’s time at Georgia was instrumental in his development as a player, and his Pro Bowl selection is just the beginning of what is sure to be a long and successful career.

4. Roquan Smith – Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

Roquan Smith was already a household name in the NFL before 2025, and his selection to yet another Pro Bowl further cements his status as one of the league’s top linebackers. A product of Georgia’s dominant defense, Smith was a standout during his time in Athens and was one of the top linebackers in the country. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2018 and quickly became a cornerstone of their defense. In 2023, Smith was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, where he continued his rise as one of the premier linebackers in the league.

Standing at 6’1” and weighing 232 pounds, Smith combines sideline-to-sideline speed with exceptional instincts and tackling ability. He is an elite run defender, but his coverage skills and ability to create turnovers set him apart from other linebackers. Smith’s football IQ and leadership have made him one of the most respected players in the NFL, and his Pro Bowl selection in 2025 is a testament to his consistency and dominance.

During his time at Georgia, Smith was the quarterback of the Bulldogs’ defense, responsible for making adjustments and directing his teammates. His work ethic, leadership, and passion for the game made him an immediate standout, and that same intensity has translated into a successful career at the professional level. His continued dominance at linebacker is a reflection of the excellent coaching and development he received at Georgia, where he was molded into an elite linebacker.

Smith’s Pro Bowl selection is another example of Georgia’s ability to produce NFL-caliber talent year after year. His journey from Athens to Baltimore showcases the lasting impact Georgia football has had on the NFL, and as a Pro Bowler, Smith is continuing to prove that his time at Georgia was just the beginning of a truly special career.

Georgia’s Impact on the NFL

The success of Jalen Carter, George Pickens, Travon Walker, and Roquan Smith in the NFL serves as yet another example of the incredible talent coming out of the University of Georgia. Under Kirby Smart’s leadership, Georgia has solidified itself as one of the top programs in the country, not just in college football but in terms of preparing players for the professional ranks. The Bulldogs have established a culture of excellence, with a focus on developing players who are ready to make an immediate impact at the next level.

As Georgia continues to produce NFL-caliber talent year after year, the program’s influence on the league will only grow. With a reputation for developing elite defensive players, versatile athletes, and intelligent football minds, UGA will remain a key player in the NFL pipeline for years to come.

The 2025 Pro Bowl selections of Jalen Carter, George Pickens, Travon Walker, and Roquan Smith are a testament to the excellence of Georgia football and the lasting legacy of the Bulldogs in the NFL. These players represent the best of what Georgia has to offer, and as they continue to shine at the professional level, they will serve as role models for future generations of Bulldogs looking to follow in their footsteps.