The Steelers scored two players on the AP All Pro list, which was released Friday. And maybe it’s a clue as to whether T.J. Watt will contend for NFL defensive player of the year.
The other Pittsburgh player to earn this coveted honor is special teamer Miles Killebrew. Playing special teams, Killebrew doesn’t receive the attention as someone like Watt. This is his first time to make All Pro. He also is headed to the Pro Bowl Games for the first time in his career.
“For me it’s the purest form of the game,” Killebrew said. “It’s one on one, but it’s also so team driven. When I block a punt, it’s not just my efforts, everyone has to be doing their job. It’s a lot of fun. Making a man doing something against his will. Open field tackling. It’s blocking. It’s everything about football in one play, that’s why I love it.”
Meanwhile, Watt was one of two edge rushers to make first-team All Pro. Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett was the top vote getter at the position. Earlier this week, the NFLPA released its all-star team as selected by players in the league. Garrett and Raiders edge Maxx Crosby were the top two.
Current speculation has Garrett, Watt or Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons as the favorite for NFL defensive player of the year. But the AP All-Pro team may offer another favorite. Fred Warner, the 49er great, was the only defender to be selected unanimously by the 50-member voting panel.
The other two unanimous selections were 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill.
AP All Pro offensive team
Quarterback: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore
Running Back: Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco
Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco
Tight End: George Kittle, San Francisco
Wide Receivers: Tyreek Hill, Miami; CeeDee Lamb, Dallas; Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit.
Left Tackle: Trent Williams, San Francisco
Right Tackle: Penei Sewell, Detroit
Left Guard: Joe Thuney, Kansas City
Right Guard: Zack Martin, Dallas
Center: Jason Kelce, Philadelphia
NFL defensive first-teamers
Edge Rushers: Myles Garrett, Cleveland; T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh
Interior Linemen: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams; Chris Jones, Kansas City
Linebackers: Fred Warner, San Francisco; Roquan Smith, Baltimore; Quincy Williams, New York Jets
Cornerbacks: DaRon Bland, Dallas; Sauce Gardner, New York Jets
Slot cornerback: Trent McDuffie, Kansas City
Safeties: Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore; Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay
Special team selections
Placekicker: Brandon Aubrey, Dallas
Punter: AJ Cole, Las Vegas
Kick Returner: Keisean Nixon, Green Bay
Punt Returner: Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans
Special Teamer: Miles Killebrew, Pittsburgh
Long Snapper: Ross Matiscik, Jacksonville
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