Pro Bowl MVP 2016: Russell Willson Wins Award

Russell Wilson’s three touchdown passes earned him Pro Bowl MVP honors as he anchored Team Irvin’s 49-27 win over Team Rice on Sunday at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Seattle Seahawks quarterback, who earned his third Pro Bowl selection in his four NFL seasons, finished 8-of-12 for 164 yards and three touchdowns while playing only in the first half. 

He hit Atlanta Falcons stars Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones for two of his touchdowns and Los Angeles Rams Rookie of the Year Todd Gurley for the other.

NFL on ESPN tweeted a picture of Wilson soaking in the moment with his girlfriend, Ciara, after the game, and his alma mater, Wisconsin, congratulated him:

Wilson set career highs this year with 4,024 passing yards, 34 passing touchdowns and a 68.1 completion percentage while leading the Seahawks to the playoffs for the fourth time since breaking into the league in 2012.

Making his accomplishment more remarkable, Wilson was without star running back Marshawn Lynch and tight end Jimmy Graham—both former Pro Bowlers—for most of the year, yet Seattle ranked fourth in total offense. 

While Wilson would rather be preparing for his third Super Bowl appearance this week, he has to be happy about being the MVP of a game featuring the league’s best players.