The Atlanta Falcons got off to a nice start to the 2023 season, but things quickly went south and head coach Arthur Smith was fired less than 24 hours after Sunday’s finale. 2023 wasn’t all bad, though.
The Falcons signed free-agent safety Jessie Bates, who helped lead a much-improved defense. Bates finished the season with 132 total tackles and a career-high six interceptions.
The NFLPA named Bates to its All-Pro team on Wednesday.
Congratulations to JBIII on being named @NFLPA 1st Team All-Pro
https://t.co/il60JqQePz pic.twitter.com/sW2kdQkjcS
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 10, 2024
Bates was one of two Falcons players voted to the Pro Bowl in 2023. The 26-year-old is under contract for three more seasons and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Check out the rest of the NFLPA Players’ All-Pro team below, as shared by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
NFL Players Association announced its second annual Players’ All-Pro team: pic.twitter.com/5Y3kO4jbty
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2024