It's been long overdue, but Kevin Zeitler is finally headed to the Pro Bowl.
After another strong season in Year 12, Zeitler will be the replacement for Kansas City Chiefs guard Joe Thuney, who is going to the Super Bowl.
While going to the Super Bowl would've been preferred, it's still a reward for Zeitler's long track record of success.
Zeitler had the second-highest pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus of all guards this season, only trailing Thuney. In 533 reps, Zeitler was credited with allowing just two sacks and 19 pressures.
Zeitler also helped pave the way for the league's leading rushing attack, which averaged 156.5 yards per game.
The staple of being a good offensive lineman is consistency. That's been Zeitler, who has missed just 11 games over his 12-year career and just four in his three years as a Raven. He's constantly working at his craft and is undoubtedly one of the Ravens' team leaders.
The 2012 first-round pick, who has also played for the Bengals, Browns, and Giants, is a pending unrestricted free agent, but made it clear Monday where he wants to be next season.
"I am ready to roll," he said. "Obviously, I want to be back as a Baltimore Raven, there is no doubt about that. I've loved my time here, I love the people here, love my teammates here, and I want to keep playing with them. Hopefully that business side of football can be figured out nice and quick, and we can get that taken care of."
