It used to mean something to refer to a player as a "former Pro Bowler."

Landing on a Pro Bowl roster used to symbolize a player being at the very top of the game at their position. Much like an MLB, NBA, or NHL All-Star Game, Pro Bowl appearances were factored into a player's legacy and their Hall of Fame resume. There was a certain sacrality to the Pro Bowl. Some players would work their entire careers to receive the honor, but only the elite would ever get there.

But in the year 2023, the once esteemed NFL Pro Bowl has lost all legitimacy and quickly turned into one of the biggest running jokes in sports.

The NFL announced on Tuesday morning that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley would be named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster as a replacement for Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen.

Huntley played in five games for the Ravens in 2022 with starter Lamar Jackson missing time due to a sprained knee. Huntley threw for 658 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions during his five games. He also added 137 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground.

Baltimore averaged 11.8 points per game in the five games Huntley played majority snaps in during the regular season. And yet, Huntley is a Pro Bowler…somehow.

Patrick Mahomes is headed to the Super Bowl and ineligible to attend. Meanwhile, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Tua Tagovailoa, and Lamar Jackson are all dealing with injuries that will keep them sidelined. That left Trevor Lawrence and Huntley as the next two QB's on the list to join Joe Burrow on the AFC Roster.

This will not be the first time an undeserving quarterback snuck into the Pro Bowl after being named an alternate and put the roster's legitimacy into question, but Huntley is one of the most egregious yet.

Mitchell Trubisky posted 3200 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, 400 rushing yards, and 4 rushing touchdowns while leading the Chicago Bears to a 12-4 record when he earned his questionable Pro Bowl spot back in 2018.

Mac Jones started every game for a Patriots team that made the playoffs in 2021, throwing for 3800 yards and 22 touchdowns before being named to the Pro Bowl as an alternate last season.

Tennessee Titans' Vince Young's 2006 Pro Bowl appearance was also a bit controversial when Young was selected for the game despite throwing more interceptions than touchdowns in his rookie season. But even then, Tennessee went 8-5 with Young as their starter, and he added over 500 yards and 7 touchdowns with his legs.

I suppose there are quite a few QB's over the years that have received Pro Bowl honors without performing at an elite level. Kerry Collins (2008 Titans) and Kordell Stewart (2001 Steelers) also come to mind, but at least those two were starters on elite regular season teams that had average numbers.

Huntley making the Pro Bowl is almost as bad as Eagles quarterback Mike Boryla receiving the distinction in 1975. Starting QB Roman Gabriel went down that season, and Boryla stepped in as a second-year quarterback. In five games, Boryla threw six touchdowns and 12 interceptions while the Eagles tanked to a 4-10 record, but still managed to be selected for the Pro Bowl.

Mike Boryla once felt like an anomaly, but here we are again. Just another strike against the NFL Pro Bowl, which has now turned from an elite distinction into a flag football, mini-game battle that seemingly everyone is invited too.

If it's all meaningless, don't play the game at all.

Image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports