Panthers DT Derrick Brown added to Pro Bowl roster to replace Aaron Donald
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown has been named to the NFC Pro Bowl roster, the team announced Friday.
Brown will replace Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who is unable to participate due to injury. The 25-year-old was originally selected as the NFC’s first alternate at defensive tackle. Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants and Javon Hargrave of the San Francisco 49ers are the other two defensive tackles on the NFC Pro Bowl roster.
Brown, the 2020 first-round pick out of Auburn, had his best season to date in 2023. He recorded 103 tackles (57 solo), seven tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hits and 2.0 sacks. Brown’s 103 tackles are the most in a single season by a defensive tackle in NFL history.
“I wanted to make the team. Think that’s obvious,” Brown said after being named an alternate. “I played hard. No discredit to nobody else. But it sucks. I’m appreciative of the recognition, for sure.”
Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero called Brown the “best run defender in the NFL this year.”
“He’s had a heck of a year,” Evero said. “He’s been so disruptive. I don’t think it’s arguably — I think he’s been the best run defender in the NFL this year. He has done a heck of a job rushing the quarterback, and creating pressures, the interception, the batted balls. There’s been so much production. The leadership. He’s been instrumental in everything that we’ve done.”
Derrick Brown becomes first Panther named to NFC Pro Bowl roster
Brown is currently the only Panther on the NFC Pro Bowl roster. Outside linebacker Brian Burns is a first alternate, while punter Johnny Hekker and long snapper JJ Jansen are third alternates at their respective positions. Burns was a Pro Bowler in each of the previous two seasons. After compiling a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2022, he tallied 8.0 this past season. Hekker, a four-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro, averaged 46.8 yards per punt and landed 25 punts inside the 20-yard line.
The 2024 Pro Bowl Games will take place Feb. 1-4 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.