The renaissance of quarterback Sam Darnold continues.

After leading the Vikings to a 14-2 record while rewriting the narrative on his career, Darnold has been selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time.

The stats speak for themselves this season as Darnold has completed 68.1 percent of his passes for 4,153 yards and 35 touchdowns. He also leads the NFL with 13 games with at least a 100.0 passer rating, narrowly behind future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who holds the NFL record with 14 games.

More important, Darnold has been the straw that stirs the drink for the Vikings, who are in position to win the NFC North heading into a pivotal game against the Lions on Sunday night at Ford Field in Detroit.

In addition to Darnold, receiver Justin Jefferson, edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., and long snapper Andrew DePaola also were selected.

The alternates for the Vikings include fullback C.J. Ham, tight end T.J. Hockenson, center Garrett Bradbury, right tackle Brian O’Neill, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, safety Josh Metellus, and special teams ace Trent Sherfield.

In lieu of the actual football game that used to be played, the NFL recently reimagined what the Pro Bowl looks like, shifting to a competition format featuring a number of skills challenges, as well as a flag football game that will take place on Feb. 2 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

In a perfect world for the Vikings, none of their players will participate in the Pro Bowl because that would mean they are preparing for the Super Bowl.

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