Two of the Falcons' most talented players were named to the Pro Bowl this year. | Canva
Two of the Falcons' most talented players were named to the Pro Bowl this year. | Canva
The Atlanta Falcons had at least two reasons to celebrate the end of the NFL regular season. Rookie tight end Kyle Pitts and veteran long snapper Josh Harris were both named to the NFL Pro Bowl in Las Vegas.
Pitts is the first rookie tight end selected for the Pro Bowl since Jeremy Shockey in 2002. Harris is being honored after 10 years of special teams service to the Falcons.
"He's just scratching the surface," head coach Arthur Smith said of Pitts, who broke the franchise record for most yards in a season by a tight end. "He made the Pro Bowl. He's had the right mindset. That's why he's fun to coach."
Falcons starting quarterback Matt Ryan praised Pitts' work ethic and willingness to push through tough times. He said Pitts greatly improved his route running during the season, as well as his on-field communication with the QB.
While Harris lacks Pitts' name recognition, he plays a crucial role as snapper for place kicks and punts. Harris, who went to college at Auburn, has spent his entire 10-year pro career with the Falcons. This year he provided some needed stability to special team squads plagued by personnel changes.
Several Atlanta players were named as Pro Bowl alternates. They included running back/return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson, fullback Keith Smith, kicker Younghoe Koo, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and cornerback A.J. Terrell.
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