The NFL playoffs are almost here, which of course means it’s time for football’s unusual All-Star tradition to get rolling. Lineups for this year’s Pro Bowl were just announced, with both of New York’s teams well represented. Jets center Nick Mangold and cornerback Darrelle Revis will start for the AFC squad, while left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson was named as a reserve. Revis, for his part, was pleasantly surprised to receive the honor:
“I don’t have the stats this year [so] I didn’t even think I was gonna make it,” said Revis, who will be headed to his third consecutive Pro Bowl and second as a starter. “I didn’t think I was even gonna be in the voting, but people gameplan against me and respect me as a player. I guess that goes along with it as well too.”
While we realize that, between stories about Darrelle Revis and Andy Pettitte, it must be double-consonant day, Jets blog Gang Green Nation reminds us that each of their three Pro Bowlers received a new contract this past off-season. Those fresh deals are looking pretty sharp right about now.
The Giants, too, will lend some players to the NFC roster. Guard Chris Snee was named a starter, while defensive end Justin Tuck, safety Antrel Rolle, and center Shaun O’Hara made the team as reserves. O’Hara’s inclusion has drawn the ire of those that follow the Giants, seeing as he’s played in just four six games this season because of injury and his replacement might actually be more deserving. Both Revis and O’Hara surely benefited somewhat from being household names.
Meanwhile, it’s probably worth reiterating that, while the Pro Bowl will return to Honolulu after a sojourn in Miami, it will still take place one week before Super Bowl XLV. Since it’s one bowl per customer, any Super Bowl–bound players will be excused from their duties in Hawaii. Thus, don’t expect to see any Jets or Giants actually suit up for the Pro Bowl. Right? Right!? You Giants fans don’t look so convinced.