The rosters for the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl were announced Tuesday, and the San Francisco 49ers are well represented. The Niners’ eight players tops the NFC and matches the New England Patriots for the most selected players in the NFL.
With a strong defense, four of the eight 49ers selected are on the defensive side of the ball, including lineman Justin Smith, linebacker Patrick Willis and cornerback Carlos Rodgers, who were named starters. Safety Dashon Goldston was selected as a backup at the safety position. Willis has made the team each of his first five seasons in the league.
Offensive lineman Joe Staley, who was selected to his first Pro Bowl, will start at one of the tackle positions, while Frank Gore was selected as one of three running backs with LeSean McCoy and Matt Forte.
Punter Andy Lee and place kicker David Akers round out the 49ers’ Pro Bowl haul. Lee, who was selected to his third Pro Bowl, is the league leader in yards per punt. Akers, in his first year with the Niners, set the NFL record for the most field goals made in one season (42) last week.
Ten other Niners were named as alternates.
The Oakland Raiders received three bids to the AFC team – line man Richard Seymour, punter Shane Lechler and place kicker Sebastian Janikowski.
New England’s Tom Brady was selected as the AFC’s starting quarterback. Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers received the same distinction for the NFC.
Rosters could change between now and the game, which is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2012 in Honolulu, one week before Super Bowl XLVI.
Members from the two Super Bowl teams will not participate in the Pro Bowl.
