Travis Kelce and Justin Jefferson were unanimous selections to The Associated Press 2022 NFL All-Pro Team, and Saucer Gardner is the first rookie cornerback chosen in 41 years.
The Chiefs’ Kelce and the Vikings’ Jefferson received first-team votes Friday from the 50-member national panel of media members who cover the league on a regular basis.
Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa and Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones received 49 of the 50 first-team votes. The Chiefs and Niners led with four players each.
Gardner, taken in the fourth round by the Jets, was named on all 50 ballots, receiving 43 first-place votes. Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott was the last rookie cornerback to be selected to the first team in 1981.
“It’s a big thing to me,” Gardner told the AP. “It was one of my goals before training camp. It was something I prayed for. I worked hard for it. It’s a real blessing.”
Kelce’s older brother, Jason, was also named to the first team for the fifth time in his career. Jason Kelce’s teammate on the Eagles, right tackle Lane Johnson, was also included.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is among 16 players selected to their first All-Pro. While Jefferson, who had a league-high 128 catches and 1,809 passing yards, is the other first-time offensive player. Miami’s Tyreek Hill had the fourth pick from him, third as a catcher. Davante Adams of the Raiders received the third nod from him.
Cowboys right guard Zach Martin was selected to his sixth All-Pro; 49ers left tackle Trent Williams and Browns left guard Joel Bitonio were elected for the second time.
Mahomes was also an All-Pro in 2018 when he was MVP. He led the league with 5-250 passing yards and 41 touchdowns as the Chiefs finished 14-3 and clinched their seventh straight AFC West title.
Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, 49ers Fred Wagner and Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick returned as All-Pros on defense.
Bosa, Jones, Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith, Bills linebacker Matt Milano, Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II and Niners safety Talanoa Hufanga were included for the first time. .
The six members of the special teams were chosen for the first time.
They are: Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson, Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend, Packers kick returner Keisean Nixon, Patriots punt returner Marcus Jones, Commanders special teamer Jeremy Reaves and Vikings long snapper Andrew DePaola.
It is the first year of the new PA voting system. The members choose the first and second teams. Votes for the first team are worth three points and for the second team, one.