Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career this week—an honor Bailey values all the more because it’s voted on by his NFL peers.
“I mean, it’s a good milestone in a sense. More than anything, it’s just the fact it was voted on by other guys around the league,” Bailey said, per Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas. “It’s somewhat of a respect thing. I think Travis (Frederick) or one of those guys mentioned that (Tuesday), and that means a lot. To know that other guys around the league respect what you’re doing and the work you’re putting in that means more than anything. So yeah, there is a little bit of gratification that comes along with that.”
Bailey has certainly earned that respect in his time with the Cowboys. Here in 2015, he’s 28 of 29 on field goal attempts and a perfect 22 of 22 on extra points. Oh, and he remains the most accurate kicker in NFL history.
“He makes such a difference,” said Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett. “We emphasize special teams, the importance of every aspect of special teams, none more important than the opportunity to get points. He’s been so consistent throughout his career for us. He’s been such a big part of what we’re trying to get accomplished. You know, he’s a clutch player, a clutch performer. The number of game-winning, game-tying field goals he’s had over the course of his career is outstanding. He’s had such a cool, calm composure about him, which is critical for that position.”
