Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Two Steelers selected for NFL's Pro Bowl

By Scott Brown, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/
Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The Steelers have a 4,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and two 1,000-yard receivers for the first time in franchise history.

That wasn't enough for any of their offensive players to get selected for the Pro Bowl.


Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison was selected for this year's NFL Pro Bowl.

Chaz Palla/Tribune-Review


Both Steelers representatives for the annual all-star game, outside linebacker James Harrison and nose tackle Casey Hampton, are defensive players.

Harrison has been named a starter for the AFC. Hampton made the team as a reserve.

Harrison, who leads the Steelers with 20 quarterback pressures and is second on the team with 10 sacks, made the Pro Bowl team for the third consecutive season.

Hampton is a Pro Bowler for the fifth time in his career.

Hampton, who is in the final year of his contract, has a career-high 2 1/2 sacks and 40 tackles.

Players are selected to the Pro Bowl, which will be played Jan. 31 in Miami, based on fans, players and coaches' voting. Players are not allowed to vote for teammates.


Steelers defensive lineman Casey Hampton was selected for this year's NFL Pro Bowl.
Chaz Palla/Tribune-Review


A number of Steelers could be added to the AFC team if others opt out of the game.

Outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley is third in the AFC with 12 1/2 sacks. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes is third in the NFL with 1,243 receiving yards.

Like Holmes, Hines Ward has eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark (1,106), The four-time Pro Bowler leads the Steelers in receptions (87) and touchdown catches (six).

Heath Miller, meanwhile, has set a Steelers single-season record for catches by a tight end (71).

More Steelers headlines

Steelers coach won't lobby for help
Polamalu, Ward look to suit up for finale
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin's Take
Rookie wide receivers making a bigger impact
Favre, Manning earn nods for Pro Bowl
Players from small schools find NFL homes
Ending with a flourish

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