Why the All-Pro designation is the most prestigious honor in professional American football

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While the Pro Bowl is the NFL's popular all-star game, the All-Pro designation remains the definitive mark of excellence. Unlike the fan-influenced or alternate-heavy Pro Bowl, All-Pro teams are curated by media experts to identify the absolute best player at every position, regardless of conference, setting the gold standard for performance.

The All-Pro tradition dates back to 1923, originating from press polls where sportswriters cast ballots to determine the league's top talent. While the NFL briefly attempted to compile its own official lists between 1931 and 1942, the practice eventually shifted entirely to independent media organizations. Today, the Associated Press (AP) is the most widely recognized authority, having begun its annual selections in 1940. This designation is highly coveted because it is not officially sanctioned by the NFL, yet it carries significant weight; the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement even uses AP and PFWA first-team selections to help determine compensatory draft picks for teams.

Distinguishing All-Pro from the Pro Bowl is essential for understanding its prestige. The Pro Bowl, which serves as an annual all-star game, often features a bloated roster due to alternates replacing players bound for the Super Bowl or those sidelined by injury. In contrast, the All-Pro list is strictly limited to the best performers at each position, with no alternates allowed. The selection process is rigorous, focusing on individual merit without regard for conference alignments. While the AP panel is national, it is not without controversy; some long-standing NFL media markets, such as Detroit, have historically lacked a vote.

The landscape of All-Pro selection has evolved significantly over the decades. While the AP remains the standard, other organizations have left their mark, such as the Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA), which was unique for polling players rather than writers between 1955 and 1992. More recently, the NFL Players Association launched its own player-voted team in 2022. The criteria for these lists also shift to reflect the modern game; for instance, the AP introduced specific offensive line positions in 2016 and adjusted its flex and wide receiver slots in 2020. These changes ensure that the All-Pro designation remains a precise, albeit debated, reflection of the league's elite talent.

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