Jonnu Smith’s Heartbreaking Reaction to Pro Bowl Snub: “A Slap in the Face” for the Miami Dolphins

In a candid and emotional interview, Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith expressed his disappointment after discovering he had been left off the Pro Bowl roster for the AFC. Despite leading NFL star Travis Kelce in multiple key statistical categories, Smith was passed over for a selection, along with his fellow Dolphins teammates, in what he described as a “slap in the face.” Smith’s heartfelt comments have sent shockwaves through the NFL community, especially among Dolphins fans who feel that the team’s impressive performances this season have gone underappreciated.

A Season of Career-Best Performances

Jonnu Smith’s exclusion from the Pro Bowl has been met with widespread shock, as the 29-year-old has delivered one of the most remarkable seasons of his career. Throughout the 2024 NFL season, Smith has posted eye-catching numbers that have surpassed even some of the league’s most established names. The Dolphins’ tight end has outperformed Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce in several major categories, including receiving yards, touchdowns, yards per reception, and catch percentage.

As the focal point of Miami’s high-powered offense, Smith has consistently been one of the most reliable targets for Dolphins’ quarterbacks. His ability to make crucial catches in key moments, combined with his proficiency in both the passing and blocking game, has made him one of the standout tight ends in the league this season. Yet, despite these accomplishments, Smith found himself left off the final Pro Bowl roster, an outcome that has left him understandably frustrated.

A Shocking Omission

Smith’s feelings of disappointment were evident when he discussed his exclusion from the Pro Bowl. During an interview on January 2, 2025, Smith revealed that he initially believed he had secured a spot on the roster. “I thought I did,” he admitted, reflecting the disbelief he felt when the Pro Bowl selections were announced. He added, “It’s my first time ever being recognized for a respectable honor.”

While Smith’s strong statistical performance seemed to make him a shoe-in for selection, the Pro Bowl voting process involves input from three groups: fans, players, and coaches. Smith was one of four Dolphins players who finished in the top 10 in fan voting for their respective positions, further solidifying his case. However, the votes from players and coaches, who also have a significant say in determining the final rosters, ultimately led to his exclusion.

For many Dolphins fans and analysts, Smith’s omission is seen as a significant oversight. As one of the top tight ends in the league this season, it is hard to argue against the idea that he deserved a spot in the Pro Bowl. Nonetheless, the voting system, which places a heavy emphasis on reputation and past performance, sometimes leads to deserving players like Smith being overlooked.

The AFC Tight End Debate: Smith vs. Kelce

One of the most talked-about comparisons in the tight end position this season has been between Jonnu Smith and Travis Kelce. The Kansas City Chiefs star has long been considered one of the best tight ends in the league, but Smith’s numbers this season have outshone Kelce in several key areas. Smith leads Kelce in receiving yards, touchdowns, yards per reception, and catch percentage — an impressive feat considering the volume of targets Kelce typically receives in Kansas City’s high-octane offense.

Despite these statistical differences, Kelce was ultimately selected to the Pro Bowl, while Smith was left out. While it is difficult to deny Kelce’s pedigree and long-term success, Smith’s performance in 2024 has been nothing short of exceptional. For Smith, this exclusion from the Pro Bowl is a painful reminder that the NFL often favors established stars and reputation over current form, even if the numbers don’t back it up.

Smith graciously acknowledged the achievements of those who did make the Pro Bowl, including Kelce, noting that they deserved the recognition. “Congratulations to all the guys that made it, it was deserving,” Smith said. However, he couldn’t hide his frustration, especially considering that his own performance was not deemed worthy of a place among the elite players in the AFC.

The Dolphins’ Pro Bowl Snub: A Collective Oversight

While Smith’s exclusion has garnered much attention, it’s worth noting that the Dolphins as a whole were shockingly left out of the Pro Bowl discussion. No Miami Dolphins player earned a spot on the AFC roster, despite several players finishing in the top 10 of fan voting in their respective positions. Fullback Alec Ingold, special-teamer Siran Neal, and kicker Jason Sanders all received significant fan support, but none of them made it onto the official Pro Bowl roster.

The absence of Dolphins players from the Pro Bowl has been a point of contention for both the team’s fans and its players. Many believe that the Dolphins, who have had an impressive season and are in the playoff hunt, should have been better represented. The fact that no players from Miami were selected for the prestigious event is seen as a major slight to the team’s collective effort and success.

Smith’s response to the snub was blunt and emotional. “I definitely felt that was kind of a slap in the face,” he said. “I felt a few guys were deserving for sure.” The tight end’s frustration is understandable, as the Dolphins have been one of the most exciting teams in the NFL this season, with many players contributing to their success. The absence of any Dolphins players on the AFC Pro Bowl roster has left a sour taste among the team’s supporters.

The Bigger Picture: Team Success Over Individual Recognition

Despite his personal disappointment, Jonnu Smith was quick to put the Pro Bowl snub into perspective. “At the end of the day, we play this game to win championships,” he said, emphasizing the importance of team success over individual accolades. “Pro Bowls, that’s extra that comes with it.” Smith’s mindset reflects the mentality that has made him such a valuable asset to the Dolphins.

Smith and the Dolphins are currently focused on the final week of the regular season, with a slim chance of making the playoffs still on the table. The Dolphins will face off against the New York Jets in a crucial game that could determine their postseason fate. For Smith and his teammates, the opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl title outweighs the disappointment of missing out on the Pro Bowl. “At the end of the day, we’ll laugh about it for a few minutes or so, but we have work to do this weekend,” Smith said.

For Smith, the snub serves as a reminder that the NFL is often a business where talent and hard work do not always guarantee recognition. While the Pro Bowl remains an important event in the league, it is clear that Smith’s focus is on his team’s ultimate goal: winning championships.

Looking Ahead: Smith’s Future in Miami

Looking ahead, Jonnu Smith remains a key piece of the Miami Dolphins’ offensive puzzle. His performance this season has solidified his place as one of the top tight ends in the league, and the Dolphins will undoubtedly rely on him in their postseason push. While the Pro Bowl snub may sting, it serves as fuel for Smith’s determination to continue proving his worth on the field.

As the Dolphins continue their playoff chase, Smith will be looking to lead the team to victory and cement his legacy as one of the best tight ends of his generation. Whether or not he ever makes it to the Pro Bowl, Smith’s work ethic and commitment to winning will continue to drive him toward success in the NFL.

Conclusion

Jonnu Smith’s reaction to being left off the Pro Bowl roster highlights the pain and frustration that many players feel when their hard work and achievements go unrecognized. However, Smith’s ability to rise above the snub and focus on his team’s goals is a testament to his character and determination. As the Dolphins push toward the postseason, Smith’s leadership and performance will be crucial in their quest for a championship. And while the Pro Bowl may have eluded him this year, his contributions to the Dolphins’ success cannot be overlooked.