Charger fans needed for Pro Bowl push

Adjust font size

Tuesday, Nov 25, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Fans have two more weeks to vote their favorite Bolts into the Pro Bowl, and the Chargers are counting on their loyal backers to help some deserving players earn due recognition.

Fan voting will continue until Tuesday, December 9 at 9 pm Pacific time. Fans can visit www.nfl.com/probowl to cast their ballots.

Return man Darren Sproles is the only Charger who currently leads the voting at his position. Sproles has a slight edge over New York’s Leon Washington for the right to represent the AFC in Hawaii in February.

Another Chargers specialist, punter Mike Scifres, leads the NFL with a 42.7 net punting average and ranks third in the league with a 47.4 gross average. However, Scifres is currently fourth in Pro Bowl balloting. Scifres and Sproles are both seeking the first Pro Bowl appearance of their careers.

Quarterback Philip Rivers, the NFL’s highest-rated passer (103.3) who also leads the NFL in touchdown passes (23), is fifth in fan voting. Rivers was selected to play in the game following the 2006 season but was unable to participate due to a foot injury.

Antonio Gates has six touchdown catches this season, which ties him with Kansas City’s Tony Gonzalez for the most in the NFL among tight ends. Gates currently sits second to Gonzalez amongst AFC tight ends in fan voting.

Chargers defensive tackle Jamal Williams has deservingly been invited to the Pro Bowl following each of the past three seasons. Despite the fact that he continues to dominate opposing centers and guards on a weekly basis, Williams is not dominating the ballot box. With two weeks remaining, “The Wall” doesn’t rank in the top five amongst AFC interior linemen at this time.

Three other Chargers, running back LaDainian Tomlinson (third), center Nick Hardwick (fifth) and cornerback Antonio Cromartie (third) are ranked in the top five at their respective positions. LT has been to four-consecutive Pro Bowls and five during his career. Hardwick and Cromartie have each been to one All-Star contest.

Have an opinion on this story? Share it on the team's official message boards.

Visit the forums

Find out what others are saying about the Chargers. Visit Daily Clips.

Already registered? Login here.