This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

The Los Angeles Chargers placed seven players in the Pro Bowl, including safety Derwin James, one of six rookies across the league to make the game. James, a first-round draft choice, will be joined on the AFC squad by veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back Melvin Gordon, defensive end Melvin Ingram, center Mike Pouncey and special-teamer Adrian Phillips for the game.

Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay became the first undrafted offensive player in NFL history to make the Pro Bowl as a rookie. “I am so blessed ... It is a tremendous honor and I am so thankful to all of Broncos Country for supporting and believing in me this season,” Lindsay wrote in his thank-you post on Instagram.

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Rivers is a backup to Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, one of 29 first-time Pro Bowlers. That, of course, includes all the rookies: James, Lindsay, Giants running back Saquon Barkley, Seahawks punter Michael Dickson, Indianapolis guard Quenton Nelson and Cleveland cornerback Denzel Wads. New England’s Tom Brady is the other AFC quarterback, making it for the 14th time, which ties him for a record with three other players including his old rival Peyton Manning. Noticeably missing is the Colts’ Andrew Luck.

New Orleans, led by quarterback Drew Brees, Dallas and Chicago paced the NFC with five players each. Brees is the starter, backed up by Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and the Rams’ Jared Goff. Buffalo, Oakland and Tampa Bay had no Pro Bowl selections.

Pittsburgh and Kansas City each had six players chosen, including such first-timers as Steelers running back James Conner and Mahomes, both having breakthrough years.

Cleveland has a first overall draft choice in the game – not Baker Mayfield, but 2017 top pick Myles Garrett at defensive end.

Among the perennial AFC choices returning to the game are JJ Watt, Antonio Brown, Marshal Yanda, Eric Weddle, Geno Atkins and Von Miller. For the NFC, frequent repeaters include Julio Jones, Alex Mack, Tyron Smith, Luke Kuechly, Bobby Wagner Patrick Peterson, Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack.

The Jets, despite a 4-10 record, have three Pro Bowlers in safety Jamal Adams, kicker Jason Myers and return specialist Andre Roberts all first-timers.

