Jaycee Horn Joins NFL Elite with First Pro Bowl Selection

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated Jan 2, 2025 10:01 PM ET

Carolina Panthers fans finally have something to celebrate in a challenging season. Fourth-year cornerback Jaycee Horn, a player who has battled injuries and adversity since being drafted eighth overall in 2021, earned his first Pro Bowl nod as one of the NFC’s top four cornerbacks for the 2025 Pro Bowl Game.

A Comeback Season for the Ages

After playing just 20 games in his first three seasons due to injuries, Horn has turned his 2024 campaign into a showcase of durability and skill. Playing in 16 of 17 games this season, Horn has become a cornerstone of a Panthers defense riddled with setbacks, including the season-long absence of star defensive tackle Derrick Brown. Horn’s advanced stats tell the story: he ranks second among cornerbacks in incompletion percentage (minimum 70 targets) and has allowed the sixth-fewest yards on receptions in the same category.

A Glimmer of Hope for the Panthers

Horn has been a rare bright spot in a season where the Panthers’ defense is 38 points away from breaking the NFL record for most points allowed. Still, his consistent play—68 tackles, 13 pass deflections, and an interception—offers hope for the team’s future. “I’m excited to get back next year and stack them up,” Horn said.

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Family Ties and First-Time Honors

Horn wasn’t alone in celebrating this career milestone. His father, four-time Pro Bowler Joe Horn, shared in the joy. “He really wanted me to make it,” Jaycee said. The younger Horn added that while this honor feels good, he believes he’s capable of much more: “I should be on my third or fourth [Pro Bowl] by now. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

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This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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