FOXBORO — Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez is already regarded as one of the best at his position.
But he wants more.
Gonzalez, nearing the end of a breakout second season, has his eyes set on making the Pro Bowl. Multiple teammates took to social media to stump for him after the Patriots’ 25-24 loss to the Colts last Sunday, when Gonzalez plucked his second interception of the season and didn’t allow a single catch. The 22-year-old has spent most of the year successfully shadowing opposing No. 1 receivers from Ja’Marr Chase to Garrett Wilson, Calvin Ridley and Tyreek Hill, who has praised Gonzalez after their head-to-head matchups.
However, Gonzalez has some ground to make up with the fans. After the first week of Pro Bowl fan voting, the 10 leading vote-getters at each position were announced Monday, and Gonzalez did not crack the cornerback leaderboard.
“It is what it is. You know, the votes are gonna come,” Gonzalez said Tuesday. “I believe it’s just the first stretch of voting. I think there’s some more voting. If it comes, it comes. If it don’t, it don’t. I’m not too worried about it. We gotta win. That’s our main focus. That’s our main thing. Win and everything else will follow through.”
Gonzalez has started all 13 games this season, collecting 55 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups and a fumble return for a touchdown. He’s allowed a 71.8 passer rating and 56.8% when targeted, per Pro Football Reference. Thanks to those numbers, and what he expects from himself in the years to come, Gonzalez fully expects to make the Pro Bowl sometime in his career.
“If it ain’t this year, I’m gonna get it eventually,” he said. “Whenever the time comes, I’ll be blessed and happy to be a part of it.”
Punter Bryce Baringer is currently the only Patriot to rank among the top 10 vote-getters at his position. He ranks third among all punters.