NEW YORK (AP) Patrick Willis one of eight 49ers to make the Pro Bowl , the most on each roster.
Defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay (14-1), led by starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers , and Baltimore (11-4), led by veteran linebacker , have seven apiece for the Jan. 29 game in Honolulu, the NFL announced Tuesday.
Brady is one of seven starters from New England (12-3). The others are receiver defensive end all are starters for the AFC from the Patriots. Special teamer Matthew Slater is the other New England representative.
Linebacker Willis, DE Carlos Rogers 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 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.
Four of the NFL s biggest headline makers this season did not get voted in by players, coaches and fans: Lions DT Ndamukong Suh James Harrison Cam Newton , and Denver QB .
Suh might have lost support after drawing a two-game suspension for stomping an opponent, and Harrison s one-game suspension for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Browns QB Colt McCoy might have reduced his support.
Fifteen first-time Pro Bowlers made the NFC squad, including Rogers, Staley and safety Dashon Goldson of the 49ers. Thirteen AFC players were first-time selections, including Gronkowski, Carter and Slater of New England. Carter is on injured reserve (left quadriceps) and won t play.
If you look around the NFC, you see a ton of amazing and talented players at tight end, said the Saints Jimmy Graham , the starter at the position and a first-time Pro Bowler. And to be thought of in that company by my peers, the head coaches and the fans who follow the NFL is something I take seriously.
Fourteen teams from each conference were represented, with St. Louis (2-13) and Washington (5-10) drawing blanks in the NFC, Buffalo (6-9) and Tennessee (8-7) shut out in the AFC.
Pittsburgh (11-4), New Orleans and Chicago (7-8) each had five representatives.
Three rookies were chosen: Denver linebacker , Cincinnati receiver Patrick Peterson , selected as a kick return specialist. He has tied an NFL record with four punt runbacks for TDs this season.
As I ve said before, A.J. is the best first-round draft pick that I ve ever been around, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. He has shown the other players in this league, and the fans, that he deserved this honor. I have not seen a receiver better than he is at getting to the ball.
All the kickers are from Bay Area teams.
NFC special teamers included two 49ers: record-setting placekicker David Akers Andy Lee Corey Graham of Chicago.
For the AFC, the Raiders Sebastian Janikowski Shane Lechler Antonio Brown , and the special-teams player is Slater.
NFC starters will be Rodgers, Eagles RB LeSean McCoy John Kuhn Graham, Panthers C , Eagles tackle Jason Peters Larry Fitzgerald and Lions WR Calvin Johnson on offense.
On defense, it will be Vikings DE Jared Allen Jason Babin Cowboys DT and Cowboys OLB DeMarcus Ware Charles Woodson and Rogers, Seahawks safety Earl Thomas Adrian Wilson .
AFC starters will be Brady, Ravens RB Gronkowski, Steelers C , Mankins and Waters at guard, Browns tackles Joe Thomas Jake Long Mike Wallace .
On defense, it will be Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil replacing Carter, Colts DE Haloti Ngata , Miller and Ravens OLB Darrelle Revis Champ Bailey Steelers safety .
Players who make the Super Bowl will be replaced on the Pro Bowl rosters.
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