Fletcher Calls It A Snub, Others Agree
Posted by on December 28, 2011 – 12:42 pm
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Last night’s announcement of Pro Bowl rosters came and went without a mention of any Washington Redskins. The argument be made for multiple snubs, but there are probably none greater than linebacker London Fletcher.
With one game left to be played, coaches’ stats have Fletcher at an NFL-leading 200 tackles on the season, a career year for the 36-year-old defensive captain. For the record, the second place player on this list has 145. Patrick Willis and Brian Urlacher, the two NFC Pro Bowl selections, rank 36th and 38th respectively.
Now, I’ve heard the argument that winning teams get more appreciation, and I understand that Fletcher spends more time on the field than linebackers in truly dominant defenses. But he has been a veritable vacuum in the middle of this defense, leading a group that includes players 14 years his junior.
In addition to his titanic tackle numbers, he also has 1.5 sacks, 14 quarterback pressures, two interceptions, nine passes defensed, and three forced fumbles. If you’re wondering what else he could possibly do on defense, you’re not the only one:
Don't know if I should be upset or laugh. Obviously it doesn't matter what u do on the field! #probowl—
London Fletcher (@LFletcher59) December 28, 2011
Fletcher has gone most of his career as a forgotten man, starting every game since 2000, and quietly keying his defense to greatness. He wasn’t alone in feeling like he got snubbed.
Middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch, for the Detroit Lions, reached out to Fletcher after the announcement:
@LFletcher59 You've been the definition of what a pro bowl linebacker is for years and still playing at a high level you had my vote Fletch.—
Stephen Tulloch (@stephentulloch) December 28, 2011
Adam Schefter, a respected NFL analyst for ESPN, named Fletcher among his top snubs:
Notable Pro-Bowl snubs: Tim Tebow, Matthew Stafford, Victor Cruz, Jordy Nelson, London Fletcher, NaVorro Bowman, Marshawn Lynch, Ryan Clark.—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 28, 2011
And, of course, Fletcher got the support of his Redskins teammates:
How is @LFletcher59 NOT on the pro bowl roster?? Cmon man, crazy—
Chris Neild (@TruckNeild) December 28, 2011
IF 163 TACKLES DNT GET YOU TO A PRO BOWL IDK WHAT WILL…thats red—
jarvis jenkins (@Jarvis99jenkins) December 28, 2011
RT @DonteStallworth: Man how has London Fletcher only been to TWO pro bowls in his career? This dude is a monster, he brings it EVERY play!—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2011
How does London Fletcher, a guy who leads the entire NFL in tackles, not make the Pro Bowl? Ridiculous!—
Adam Carriker (@AdamCarriker) December 28, 2011
Can't believe Fletch didn't make the Pro Bowl!!! #WOW—
Erik Cook (@ErikMCook) December 28, 2011
After the initial disappointment and the ensuing outpouring of support, Fletcher was gracious, and thanked everyone for his support. He also gave his congratulations to former teammates Carlos Rogers and Andre Carter:
Wanted to thank all those who voted for me & say congrats to all those who made the probowl especially @mr_carter93 & carlos rogers!—
London Fletcher (@LFletcher59) December 28, 2011
There is no question, that even in moments of reasonable disappointment, Fletcher is still a class act. Expect him to extend his league-leading tackle totals this Sunday and walk off with his head held high.
Tags: linebacker, london fletcher, Pro Bowl, washington redskins
Posted in Uncategorized | 19 Comments »
By Redskins24/7Milennium on Dec 28, 2011 | Reply
If only the Redskins QBS or CBs played as hard as and as well Fletcher does every play…
By Cranky Fan on Dec 28, 2011 | Reply
He was clearly snubbed…there’s a lot of talent in the NFL, but very few possess the character that Fletcher embodies.
By gizzum on Dec 28, 2011 | Reply
complete BS! a snub is an understatement. fan voting for any all star, pro bowl game should only count as a partial part of the selection process.
By mamajean on Dec 28, 2011 | Reply
I am shocked that one of the greatest has been snubbed. We all love you though. You’re a great player and a great leader. God Bless you.
By JDAWG on Dec 28, 2011 | Reply
Unfortunety it is the result of being a great player on a poorly perfoming team. He is truly one of the top 3 OVERALL LB’s in the NFL. Hopefully the Hall of Fame will recognize him one day and he’ll finally get the recogntion he deserves. It’s about 80% name and 20% play with the fan vote. I think the hes the best player left off, unfortunetly he’s not alone. It’s time to change it from a marketing plan, to a player and coches voted roster. Then maybe the players will take it seriously also. It’s like the tough guy down the street challenged you to a fight and you don’t want to look like a sissy.
By kjpatino on Dec 28, 2011 | Reply
Why doesn’t the NFL send all those at the top of the statistic list, such as tackles should automatically go to the pro bowl and the voters simply fill in the backups.
By Rit on Dec 28, 2011 | Reply
Screw it!!! To all Fletch’s teammates: he has been playing at a consistently high level throughout his Redskins career….he doesn’t deserve a Pro Bowl…he deserves a Super Bowl!!!! The rest of you guys have a lot to do to live up to London. Make it a priority next year for everyone to practice and play at his level…I promise you that the ‘Skins will then be a force in the NFL.
By Rit on Dec 28, 2011 | Reply
Btw….HAIL!!!!
By e mccullough on Dec 28, 2011 | Reply
how does the man in the middle lead the nfl in tackles and not make the pro bowl. this is an outrage.
By Dave Tegg on Dec 29, 2011 | Reply
the probowl is nothing anyway its just an over glorified flag ball competition, it means nothing i would rather see the players named and not have the game who wants players injured for something that doesnt count and matters only to the few who get voted in by the faceless ones
By 007 on Dec 29, 2011 | Reply
I’ve dissed the PRO BOWL all my life. Worthless game.
That said, not selecting LONDON FLETCHER as an ALL-STAR is sad, really sad. If the REDSKINS didn’t exist, I’d stop watching ANY pro football at all in protest.
Kinda’ like my personal WAL-MART boycott. I sneak a peek on occasion, but am certain not to give them enough of my business to support their blood-sucking operation.
By 007 on Dec 29, 2011 | Reply
How about WILLIS or URLACHER voluntarilty surrendering their slots in favor of FLETCHER. Or the commish could make an announcement that a mistake was made and FLETCHER should have been selected and was mistakenly left off and dump one of the other selectees.
By 007 on Dec 29, 2011 | Reply
More BS by the NFL who sees ads as the true driver of entertainment value in the league.
My personal apology LONDON. The players and fans know your worth. And we stand with you 100%
By Ward_david on Dec 29, 2011 | Reply
London is a nice person and level headed quiet leader. Though he racked up top level stats – nice guys always fiish last or are forgotten and overlooked. In life as well as sports. They do not have the drama and fan pull for tv ratings. plain and simple.
By Ward_david on Dec 29, 2011 | Reply
London clearly was sidestepped and passed over, he got ripped off. If everyone in the leaque possessed the character and abilities of flether, football in the NFL would be playing at an entirely different level. London no matter what these selections determine.; Everyone knows youre the deal…
By Jon on Dec 29, 2011 | Reply
We failed him as fans
By David on Dec 29, 2011 | Reply
This is a primary reason the pro bowl sucks. I have never been excited about the pro bowl ever. In all my years of loving to watch the NFL I have never said, oh boy here comes the pro bowl. THey always vote just the popular players, and then half the time they don’t even show up. Moving it before the superbowl was a disaster as well. The por bowl is a joke. That said, I do think it is BS that THE linebacker is not going. THis guy does more than many other linebackers in the NFL. Just one more reason why I do not watch the pro bowl. Maybe some day the NFL will get it right.
By roymtillman@yahoo.com on Dec 29, 2011 | Reply
This really stinks!Ive watched fletcher since he came in to the league.He is alleader and the skins need his leadership skills.So the skins didnt make the playoffs,thats ok,we will be back next season and so will fletcher.Hey SKINS,time to tighten up that chinstrap and play some football.Fletch,you will allways be the MAN,With jennikins coming back next yr and keeringon,with a yr of experience,and FLETCHER IN THE MIDDLE,the skins front 7 has improved greatly.HTTR.
By MikeyJ on Dec 30, 2011 | Reply
just another reason the NFL all-star game is “ALL WRONG”