Just ahead of Christmas, several former Notre Dame football stars got an early present. On Tuesday morning, the NFL announced the AFC and NFC rosters for the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl, and among the five Irish who made the teams, Joe Alt might be the headliner if only because it's his first Pro Bowl in just his second pro season.
Alt is one of three Chargers to make the AFC roster and one of three who are making their first Pro Bowl. Alt is joined by another ex-Irish star who is also in his first Pro Bowl as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The wide receiver, who is in his fifth season in the NFL, made his first game as a special teamer.
Five former Notre Dame stars make the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl
In addition to Alt and Skowranek, the three other members of the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl rosters are defensive back Kyle Hamilton of the Ravens (his third time on the roster in four seasons), Colts offensive lineman Quenton Nelson (eighth Pro Bowl), and Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey (3rd Pro Bowl)
Certainly, Alt and Skowranek making their first Pro Bowls is a feel good story. However, it's Kyle Hamilton that might be the biggest headliner considering just how good he's been in a short period of time in the NFL.
Earning his third-consecutive Pro Bowl nod, Hamilton is the NFL's only safety – and one of three defenders overall – to record at least 90 tackles (92), one sack (one), two forced fumbles (two), five passes defensed (eight) and five tackles for loss (seven).
With the Pro Bowl being a different thing than it was even a decade ago, it will be interesting to see how the former Notre Dame stars can stand out from the crowd.