A reliable backup quarterback can often last 10 to 15 years in the NFL. Time and time again, Gardner Minshew has proven to be that type of player.
Minshew has spent his first five NFL seasons with three different teams, but the overall numbers have been better than one would expect. The former Washington State standout has thrown 59 touchdowns and 24 interceptions in 37 starts, just three fewer touchdowns than fellow 2019 recruit Daniel Jones, despite starting less than half of all possible games since entering the league. league.
Despite the stability he provided to the Colts after Anthony Richardson’s season-ending shoulder injury that nearly took Indianapolis to the playoffs, “Pro Bowler” isn’t the first label that comes to mind. when describing Minshew.
Here’s what you need to know about why Minshew is headed to the 2024 Pro Bowl after 13 starts with the Colts.
Why is Gardner Minshew in the Pro Bowl?
Minshew was selected as a replacement for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, who will not attend the Pro Bowl as he prepares for Super Bowl 58. While he was not named to the initial roster, Minshew will officially become a Pro Bowler.
Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Tua Tagovailoa were initially selected for the roster, but Mahomes and Jackson were not on the final AFC Pro Bowl roster. CJ Stroud and Minshew joined as replacements on Tuesday. Even though the Colts exceeded expectations in 2023, Minshew arguably didn’t have a typical Pro Bowl-caliber season. Why was he chosen for the AFC?
Bills quarterback Josh Allen likely would have been the overwhelming choice as the AFC’s first alternate, but he passed up the Pro Bowl to play in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert made the same number of starts as Minshew, but he was not expected to take any risks while he recovers from a finger injury. Minshew seemed to get the nod over Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who threw six more touchdowns than Minshew but also struggled with turnover problems and had a .500 record as a starter this season.
While Minshew might not fit the Pro Bowler prototype, it’s hard to be surprised with any selection after Ravens backup QB Tyler Huntley was added to the roster last season. Huntley made just four starts in 2022, tallying two touchdowns and three interceptions. By comparison, Minshew is more than qualified.
Gardner Minshew Statistics 2023
| Season | Begin | Record | %CMP | Yards | DT | IN T |
| 2023 | 13 | 7-6 | 62.2 | 3,305 | fifteen | 9 |
Minshew made 13 starts in place of Richardson in 2023, setting a career-high in passing yards with 3,305 and being limited to nine interceptions.
AFC Pro Bowl Quarterbacks
| Player | Equipment |
| Patrick Mahomes* | bosses |
| Lamar Jackson* | crows |
| Tua Tagovailoa | dolphins |
| CJ Stroud | jeans |
| Gardner Minshew | foals |
*— Do not participate
