What Is 2016 NFL All Pro Team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 NFL All-Pro Team, selected by the Associated Press, honored the league's top performers of the 2016 season, with players like quarterback Tom Brady and linebacker Khalil Mack earning first-team honors. The team was officially announced in January 2017 following the conclusion of the regular season.

Key Facts

Tom Brady was named first-team All-Pro at quarterback after leading the Patriots to a 14–2 record
Khalil Mack earned first-team All-Pro honors at linebacker with 11.0 sacks and 6 forced fumbles
The Associated Press selects the official All-Pro team annually in January
Von Miller and J.J. Watt were co-first-team selections at defensive end
The 2016 All-Pro Team recognized performances during the 2016 regular season, which ran from September 2016 to January 2017

Overview

The 2016 NFL All-Pro Team recognizes the league's most outstanding players from the 2016 regular season, as voted on by a national panel of 50 media members organized by the Associated Press. This honor is considered one of the highest individual accolades in professional football, distinct from the Pro Bowl, and reflects consistent elite performance over the full season.

Announced in January 2017, the team features first- and second-team selections across offensive, defensive, and special teams positions. Players were evaluated based on statistical dominance, impact on team success, and overall excellence throughout the 17-week season, culminating in recognition ahead of the postseason.

Tom Brady earned first-team All-Pro at quarterback after throwing for 3,554 yards and 28 touchdowns with only 2 interceptions in 12 games played.
Julio Jones made first-team All-Pro as a wide receiver, leading the NFL in receptions with 136 and receiving yards with 1,816 in 2016.
Khalil Mack was named first-team All-Pro at linebacker after recording 11.0 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and 107 tackles for the Oakland Raiders.
Kevin Zeitler was a first-team selection at guard, anchoring a Bengals offensive line that allowed just 20 sacks all season.
Laquon Treadwell did not make the team, highlighting that only players with exceptional performance levels were recognized, regardless of draft pedigree or team popularity.

How It Works

The selection process for the NFL All-Pro Team is rigorous, relying on votes from a credentialed panel of sportswriters and broadcasters across the country. Each voter submits ballots listing their first- and second-team choices, and the players with the most first-team votes are officially recognized.

Selection Panel: A 50-member panel of national media representatives votes, ensuring a broad and authoritative consensus on player performance.
Voting Deadline: Ballots are due in early January 2017, shortly after the end of the 2016 regular season, to reflect full-season impact.
First-Team Priority: Players receiving the most first-team votes are prioritized, with ties broken by second-team votes and expert deliberation.
Position Flexibility: Voters can place players at positions where they performed most dominantly, such as listing J.J. Watt at defensive end despite occasional linebacker use.
No Fan Voting: Unlike the Pro Bowl, fan input does not influence results, preserving the award’s journalistic integrity and credibility.
AP Authority: The Associated Press has selected the official All-Pro team since 1940, making it the longest-standing and most respected recognition in the NFL.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key first-team All-Pro selections in 2016 versus the previous year, highlighting standout performers and positional changes:

Position	2016 First-Team All-Pro	2015 First-Team All-Pro	Key Stats (2016)	Team
Quarterback	Tom Brady	Cam Newton	28 TD, 2 INT, 12 games	New England Patriots
Running Back	Ezekiel Elliott	Le'Veon Bell	1,631 rushing yards	Dallas Cowboys
Wide Receiver	Julio Jones	Antonio Brown	1,816 receiving yards	Atlanta Falcons
Defensive End	Von Miller / J.J. Watt	Aaron Donald	11.5 sacks (Miller), 17.5 sacks (Watt in 2015)	Denver Broncos / Houston Texans
Linebacker	Khalil Mack	Luke Kuechly	11.0 sacks, 6 forced fumbles	Oakland Raiders

The 2016 team emphasized breakout performances from players like Ezekiel Elliott and Julio Jones, while also reaffirming the dominance of established stars such as Brady and Watt. Unlike 2015, which favored high-volume sack producers, 2016 recognized all-around impact, including forced fumbles and tackles. This shift reflects evolving defensive evaluation metrics in the modern NFL.

Why It Matters

Recognition on the All-Pro Team significantly influences legacy, contract negotiations, and Hall of Fame considerations. It serves as a definitive marker of individual excellence, often distinguishing between Pro Bowl selections and truly elite performers.

Players like Tom Brady use All-Pro honors to bolster MVP campaigns, which Brady won in 2016 after missing four games due to suspension.
First-team All-Pro status often triggers contract escalators worth millions in existing player agreements.
For young players like Ezekiel Elliott, making the team as a rookie signals immediate impact and long-term franchise potential.
Coaches and analysts reference All-Pro selections when evaluating team strengths and drafting game plans.
Historical comparisons rely on All-Pro counts, with players like Merlin Olsen holding records with 10 first-team selections.
Unlike popularity-based awards, All-Pro recognition withstands scrutiny due to its media-driven, performance-based selection process.

Ultimately, the 2016 NFL All-Pro Team captures a snapshot of excellence during a season defined by both veteran leadership and emerging talent, serving as a benchmark for greatness in professional football.