Pro Bowl selections reflect season

Tuesday, Dec 19, 2006
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Broken records and team unity have been blaring themes of the Chargers’ 2006 season, and both traits were reflected Tuesday when the NFL handed out invitations to February’s Pro Bowl.

A record nine Chargers were selected to play in the game, and each player was quick to point to how they owe their teammates for the honor.

“Every time you have a winning team, a bunch of guys are going to go (to the Pro Bowl),” said center Nick Hardwick, who was selected to his first Pro Bowl.  “If you’re winning, you’re playing well.  Other guys next to you are playing well.  You look good and they look good.  Then you get voted in.”

The Chargers will send more players to the Pro Bowl than any team in the NFL this season.  The previous team record for Pro Bowl players is eight, which occurred after the 1980 season.

“That speaks volumes to both the depth as well as the continuity of the roster,” President Dean Spanos said.  “We have worked hard to keep this team intact, and all of these players are in the midst of long-term contracts.  Continuity helps breed success on the field which helps bring attention and notoriety to the players.  A.J. Smith, Marty Schottenheimer and their staffs, and all of the players have done a terrific job this season.”

Offensive players joining Hardwick in Hawaii will be MVP candidate LaDainian Tomlinson, quarterback Philip Rivers, fullback Lorenzo Neal and tight end Antonio Gates.  Tomlinson received more than one million fan votes and was the second-highest vote-getter among NFL players.  It marks the fourth Pro Bowl appearance for LT, third for Gates and Neal and first for Rivers.  Tomlinson, Gates and Neal will all start for the AFC squad.

Defensive tackle Jamal Williams and linebacker Shawne Merriman will both make their second career Pro Bowl appearances as they represent the Chargers’ defense.  Both Williams and Merriman were selected as starters as well.

The Chargers’ special teams will also be represented in Hawaii as kicker Nate Kaeding and special teams standout Kassim Osgood were selected to their first Pro Bowls.

“I’m pleased for those individuals who were selected,” Schottenheimer said.  “Obviously they are deserving, and I believe there are others who are deserving as well.  The large number is clearly attributable to the team’s overall success.  I know each of these men is grateful to be playing on this squad and point to their teammates as the main reason they received this recognition.”

“I’m probably the biggest beneficiary of this team’s success,” Kaeding said.  “I know I’m not going if I don’t kick 20 more extra points than the other guys.  It’s great to be on a team with an offense and a team that creates that kind of field position that I can kick so many extra points.  I know that’s why I’m going, but I’ll definitely enjoy the trip.”

There’s a chance the Chargers could add to their record total.  Five players received enough votes from players, coaches and fans to be named either a first or second alternate.  Guard Kris Dielman, tackle Marcus McNeill and punter Mike Scifres are first alternates and defensive end Luis Castillo and linebacker Shaun Phillips are second alternates.  Alternates participate in the game if players selected ahead of them are unable to play due to injury.

Even if they aren’t provided an opportunity to play in the game, it’s certain that there will be more than nine Bolts in Hawaii as those chosen have already promised free trips for several of their teammates.

“I’ll gladly take (my fellow offensive linemen) because without them I wouldn’t be (going),” Hardwick said.  “There’s not a chance.  We play so well together.  They make it easy for me.”

“(David) Binn probably knew before I did that I made it,” Kaeding said.  “He wanted his free trip.  I’ll take him and Mike (Scifres).  We’ll have a good time.”

Osgood mentioned that Clinton Hart will be his guest in Hawaii. 

“I always role with an entourage, so there are a lot of people that are going,” Osgood said.  “I’ve got to take Clinton Hart. That was our agreement in the preseason.  It’s going to make the trip so much more special having so many teammates there to enjoy it with.”