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After productive years on the field, two former FSU defensive backs got the chance to soak up the Pro Bowl experience with fellow All-Stars from across the league.
Derwin James was voted to his first Pro Bowl after a sensational rookie year, reuniting with Jalen Ramsey in the AFC’s secondary. This is Ramsey’s second time being voted to the game in as many years.
Talkin’ ‘bout practice
The NFL does a great job of covering the Pro Bowl and giving fans the opportunity to see players interact in a less serious atmosphere. Luckily for Florida State fans, Ramsey was mic’d up for the first day of practices. Towards the end of the clip he discusses losing just two games at Florida State when he and James were together:
"Andrew!"
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) January 24, 2019
Watch @JalenRamsey Mic'DD Up at the #ProBowl pic.twitter.com/hkJ9oc4ewH
Ramsey got an endorsement from Deandre Hopkins, who Ramsey has to cover twice a year and claims is the best receiver in the game:
And bro is the best DB in the game. https://t.co/ZASDtWtBL3
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) January 25, 2019
With FSU’s media team in attendance, James and Ramsey could both be seen tomahawk chopping and shouting out the ’noles throughout the week.
James even joked with former Gator and current Pittsburgh Steeler, Maurkice Pouncey, asking him if he wished he went to Florida State:
Derwin James & Jalen Ramsey representing #NoleNation at the #ProBowl.
— SingleShot ⚾⚽ ⛳ (@Singleshot25) January 26, 2019
"Aye you wish you woulda went to Florida State huh?" pic.twitter.com/pDbh0XkeET
DEE. BEE. YOUUUU. #ProBowl pic.twitter.com/sAZjeR3UEV
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) January 26, 2019
SAVAGE MODE. pic.twitter.com/wUf6bKfLGc
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) January 25, 2019
Both players took the time to interact with fans after practices:
NOLES blooded the real DBU pic.twitter.com/y2TnDRVJVr
— Armyofone1975 (@Armyofone19751) January 26, 2019
NOLES blooded pic.twitter.com/NoS2TXBRvO
— Armyofone1975 (@Armyofone19751) January 26, 2019
Gameday
When it came time for the actual game the pair showed why they deserve to be called all-stars.
James recorded three solo tackles, a sack, a TFL, and a QB hit is his first of likely many Pro Bowls.
Ramsey was equally impressive with two solo tackles and a pass defended. He even capitalized on the opportunity to switch roles and play receiver, hauling in Deshaun Watson’s 6-yard pass for a touchdown and celebrating with James:
CB ➡️ WR@JalenRamsey catches the TD pass from @DeshaunWatson! #ProBowl pic.twitter.com/64v92kjwlv
— NFL (@NFL) January 27, 2019
Wrapping up a fun week in Orlando, James and Ramsey let everyone know who the real DBU is and posed a question for all the recruits out there:
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) January 27, 2019
WHAT IS YOU DOOOIN?!?! D-B-U!@jalenramsey @DerwinJames #ProBowl pic.twitter.com/FDdGF4Q2kQ