Matthew Slater, Stephon Gilmore and Jake Bailey earned the distinct honor of making the 2021 Pro Bowl, and while there was no game in a traditional sense (a Madden competition took its place instead), there is no doubt there is pride in adding a Pro Bowl selection to their resumés.
As it turns out, they aren't the only people in New England celebrating their selection.
Three local football programs were surprised with $5,000 donations -- one for each Pro Bowler -- to help grow, fund and support their teams. Through the NFL Foundation, all Pro Bowlers selected grants to help high school football programs across the country, giving back to their local communities in honor of the game they all love.