Vikings’ Danielle Hunter & Andrew DePaola Score Major Pro Bowl Spots for 2024!

Vikings’ Danielle Hunter & Andrew DePaola Earn Pro Bowl Honors for 2024 Season

EAGAN, Minn. – The Minnesota Vikings will be well-represented at the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games, with outside linebacker Danielle Hunter and long snapper Andrew DePaola earning spots on this season’s all-star roster. The league made the announcement Wednesday, recognizing both players for their standout performances this season.

For Hunter, this selection marks his fourth career Pro Bowl appearance, following nods in 2018, 2019, and 2022. The veteran pass rusher has been a force all season, amassing 15.5 sacks through 16 games—breaking his previous single-season high of 14.5. He’s also set a career-best with four forced fumbles and is tied for the league lead in tackles for loss (21) with Maxx Crosby of the Raiders.

“It means a lot,” Hunter said of the honor. “It just tells me that everybody respects my game—my peers, my coaches, the fans—they see the work I put in. My goal is always to make the Pro Bowl and help my team in any way possible.”

Hunter will have a final shot to add to his numbers when Minnesota faces Detroit in the regular-season finale. He’s already logged 12 career sacks against the Lions, making Sunday another opportunity to shine.

Meanwhile, DePaola is headed to his second straight Pro Bowl, proving once again why he’s one of the best at his position. The veteran long snapper, who finished second in fan voting among NFC long snappers, credited the support of Vikings fans.

“It’s amazing, just to know the fans are fully behind you,” DePaola said. “Vikings fans are so passionate. And then to also be respected by your peers and opposing coaches, to be voted in again—it’s truly not something I take for granted.”

DePaola has been a key figure in Minnesota’s special teams success, delivering clutch snaps all season. One of his most notable moments came against Detroit, where his perfect snap set up a 54-yard field goal by Greg Joseph. He was also instrumental in a successful fake punt against Denver in Week 11, showcasing his versatility.

DePaola’s Leadership Praised by Coaching Staff

Vikings Special Teams Coordinator Matt Daniels had high praise for DePaola, not just for his performance on the field but for his leadership behind the scenes.

“‘Perfect All-Pro Po’—that’s what I call him,” Daniels said. “I don’t think there’s any doubt he should be a back-to-back All-Pro and a Pro Bowler.”

Daniels also highlighted DePaola’s role as a mentor for younger players, emphasizing the player-led meetings he organizes each week.

“His ability to communicate, not only in the punt phase but across all six phases of special teams, shows how much accountability he has,” Daniels continued. “He’s basically a secondary coach for me.”

Vikings Alternates for the Pro Bowl

Alongside Hunter and DePaola, several Vikings were named as Pro Bowl alternates:

  • 1st Alternate: C.J. Ham (Fullback)
  • 1st Alternate: T.J. Hockenson (Tight End*)
  • 2nd Alternate: Josh Metellus (Safety)
  • 3rd Alternate: Garrett Bradbury (Center)
  • 4th Alternate: Christian Darrisaw (Tackle)
  • 4th Alternate: Harrison Smith (Safety)

(*Note: Hockenson suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 16 and will not participate.)

Pro Bowl Format & Competitions

The 2024 Pro Bowl Games, once again coached by Eli Manning (NFC) and Peyton Manning (AFC), will take place on Sunday, Feb. 4, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The event will be broadcast on ESPN and will feature returning and new skills challenges, including Dodgeball, Tug-of-War, Precision Passing, and more.

With two Vikings stars officially in the mix, Minnesota fans will have plenty to cheer for as the league’s best face off in Orlando.

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