Pro Bowl Snubs: Why Aaron Hernandez Deserved It More Than Antonio Gates

How in the world did Antonio Gates get selected to the 2012 Pro Bowl over Aaron Hernandez? How is that possible?

Hernandez may have played in one more game that Gates, but his numbers are significantly better: Hernandez has recorded 72 receptions for 772 yards and six touchdowns, while Gates has recorded 59 receptions for 672 yards and six touchdowns.

So what's the difference? Well, statistically it's pretty obvious—Hernandez has 13 more receptions than Gates and 100 more receiving yards with the same amount of touchdowns. Where does Gates have the edge? He may have played in one fewer game than Hernandez, and there are certainly other factors than sheer statistical production, but do you honestly believe that one game could cover up for 13 receptions and a 100 yards? Absolutely not. 

The funny thing about Hernandez is that he's not even the starting tight end on the New England Patriots, Rob Gronkowski is—and even Gronk thought that Hernandez deserved a Pro Bowl nod: 

"

"He’s a great player and I love playing with him and I believe we help each other out and everything. I think he should of [made it], but I mean it is what it is and I think he’s the first alternate." 

"

Hopefully Gronkowski is right; hopefully Hernandez will make it as an alternate as his success does not deserve to go unrecognized. 

In my opinion, the Pro Bowl is just a joke. It's almost like a popularity contest. The only reason guys like Antonio Gates and Ray Lewis were voted in was simply because of their reputation, not because of their performance on the field in 2011. 

The New England Patriots have the most Pro Bowlers in the AFC, as eight were nominated, but that number should be nine, as there's no question that Hernandez deserved a spot this year. 

For more articles like this, check out PatriotsPlus.net.