NC State Has Produced 15 Pro Bowl Players – And the List Keeps Growing

The NFL’s Pro Bowl Games take place next Tuesday night, and former NC State All-American Joe Thuney will once again be representing the Wolfpack on football’s biggest all-star stage.

This marks Thuney’s fourth career Pro Bowl selection, and his fourth straight appearance overall. After earning his first three selections as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Thuney will represent the NFC this year following his offseason trade to the Chicago Bears.

Thuney continues to perform at an elite level, even in his 11th NFL season, and remains one of the most respected offensive linemen in the league.

NC State’s Pro Bowl Representation

Thuney is 1 of 15 former NC State players to earn Pro Bowl honors during their careers.

NC State Players With Pro Bowl Selections

QB Russell Wilson – 10 (2012-15, 17-2021, 2024)
QB Philip Rivers – 8 (2006, 09-11, 13, 16-18)
WR Torry Holt – 7 (2000-01, 03-05, 07-08)
S Adrian Wilson – 5 (2006, 08-11)
WR Mike Quick – 5 (1984-88)
QB Roman Gabriel – 4 (1967-69, 73)
DE Mario Williams – 4 (2008-09, 13-14)
LB Vaughan Johnson – 4 (1990-93)
OG Joe Thuney – 4 (2022-25)
P AJ Cole III – 3 (2021-23)
WR Haywood Jeffires – 3 (1992-94)
OG Darrell Dess – 2 (1962, 63)
FB Alex Webster – 2 (1958, 61)
LB Bradley Chubb – 2 (2020, 22)
C Jim Ritcher – 1 (1992)

*Players in BOLD are still active.

What Could Change Going Forward?

Several former Wolfpack stars still have time to climb this list.

While Russell Wilson’s Pro Bowl days may be winding down, Thuney continues to play at an elite level at age 33, and there’s a strong chance he adds more selections before his career ends.

AJ Cole III remains one of the best punters in the NFL and could easily add multiple Pro Bowls in the coming years.

Bradley Chubb rebounded in a major way this season after missing all of 2024 with a torn ACL. He finished the year with:

• 47 tackles
• 8.5 sacks
• 8 tackles for loss
• 2 forced fumbles
• 20 quarterback hits

Those numbers surpassed his previous Pro Bowl seasons.

Looking ahead, Payton Wilson and Drake Thomas are two former NC State linebackers who appear poised to join the list if their development continues on its current trajectory.