Before Los Angeles Rams rookie Jared Verse learned he had made his first Pro Bowl, he was filled with anxiety. After taking a nap, Verse woke up to find three missed calls from head coach Sean McVay, immediately fearing the worst—that he was being cut.
“I woke up from a nap and saw three calls from Coach McVay. I thought, ‘Oh no, I’m getting fired,'” Verse said on Thursday. “I had no idea what I did wrong, but I thought I was doing well. I called him back, and he said, ‘Yeah, you made the Pro Bowl.’ It was surreal. The first feeling was relief, but it felt amazing.”
Rather than being let go, Verse was informed he had earned a spot in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games. He was the only Rams player selected and one of only three rookies to receive the honor, joining Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
The No. 19 overall pick out of Florida State has had an impressive rookie season, recording 65 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Throughout the year, he’s been a standout among rookies and edge rushers in terms of pressuring the quarterback.
According to ESPN analytics, Verse ranks 12th in pass rush win rate and 6th in run stop win rate among edge rushers. Among rookies, he leads in both quarterback hits and tackles for loss. His strong play has also made him a top contender for the prestigious Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
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