The New Orleans Saints didn't land a Pro Bowler for the 2024 season, but the team's argument for a snub was made stronger on Friday.
Special teams ace J.T. Gray was named to the Associated Press All-Pro second team, his third such time landing the honor. Gray, a team captain, appeared in all 17 regular season games and logged an NFL-leading 26 special teams tackles, which also marked a career high. The safety also logged a blocked punt.
"I'm biased, but in my opinion he's the best special teams player in the NFL," said Saints special teams coordinator Phil Galiano. "I'm super proud of him. The thing I love about him is he comes to work every day and how he has, throughout the years since I've been here, learned how to make himself better through film study."
Gray was signed by the Saints as a UDFA out of Mississippi State in 2018. In his career he's logged 93 special teams tackles, two blocked punts and a fumble recovery. The 93 special teams stops lead the NFL over that span.
Previously Gray was named first-team All-Pro in 2021, and made the second team in 2019. He was also a Pro Bowler in the 2021 season. Gray could still potentially land in the Pro Bowl as an alternate due to either injuries or players selected opting out or participating in the Super Bowl.