London Fletcher not selected for 2011 Pro Bowl
(AP/ABC7) — The usual names — Tom Brady, Ray Lewis, Troy Polamalu, Tony Gonzalez — are headed for Hawaii, barring a trip to the Super Bowl.
Joining them at the Pro Bowl will be the not quite so familiar, from Rob Gronkowski to Jimmy Graham, from Marshal Yanda to Earl Thomas.
However, one player of local note who didn't get selected is causing an outcry throughout the league.
Despite leading the NFL in tackles this season, Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher was not selected to the NFL's annual All-Star Game.
Fletcher immediately turned to Twitter when his name wasn't called for the honor.
Don't know if I should be upset or laugh. Obviously it doesn't matter what u do on the field! #probowl
— London Fletcher (@LFletcher59) December 28, 2011
Fletcher, who has been selected for the Pro Bowl twice since joining the Redskins in 2007, has recorded 163 tackles in 2011 and two interceptions.
For the rest, happiness for being selected.
The thrill is equal, whether it's eight-time invitee Ed Reed or his Baltimore Ravens teammate, newcomer Yanda.
"I am ecstatic, that is really the only thing I can say," said Yanda, a backup at guard to New England's Logan Mankins and Brian Water. "This is such a great honor, something that I never really expected. When I made it to the NFL, I was so happy to be on a team and playing in the league, and now, to be a part of a Pro Bowl team is something very special."
Or as old hand safety Reed put it Tuesday, "It is definitely an honor and blessing. To come back after an injury last year and to be voted by my peers and fans is special."
There are seven Ravens on the AFC squad, equaling the number of Green Bay Packers for the NFC. But they didn't lead their conferences in voting by players, coaches and fans.
Brady is one of eight Patriots and Patrick Willis one of eight 49ers to make the Jan. 29 game.
"It's awesome," said 49ers punter Andy Lee, one of four Bay Area kickers to make it. "I think everybody is deserving. I think some guys are deserving who aren't going. Hopefully we won't be there, hopefully we'll be in the Super Bowl."
Players who make the Super Bowl will be replaced on the Pro Bowl rosters.
Still, it's a sunny, balmy consolation prize to journey to Honolulu.
"It's a nice honor," Texans running back Arian Foster said. "People that love watching the game, people that love playing it and also coaches that have been around it for 20-some-odd years ... it's the highest compliment you can get in this league is when you're voted in by people who know the game. It's just fun."
Brady is one of seven starters from New England (12-3). The others are receiver Wes Welker, tight end Gronkowski, defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, defensive end Andre Carter, Waters and Logan Mankins. Special-teamer Matthew Slater is the other New England representative.
Linebacker Willis, defensive end Justin Smith, cornerback Carlos Rogers and tackle Joe Staley will start for the NFC from the 49ers (12-3), who had only Smith and Willis make the Pro Bowl last year.
Green Bay's Rodgers is the starting NFC quarterback, backed by record-setting Drew Brees of New Orleans (12-3).
"It does have special significance, because when I was voted in in 2009, I was the third guy and I was very thankful to be voted in, and got the opportunity to start because of some injuries and guys not going," Rodgers said. "It's great to be voted in as a starter, that means a lot to me and it's a special honor."
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