For the first time in his nine-year NFL career, Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril is a Pro Bowler.

Avril, who through 14 games has a career-best 11.5 sacks and five forced fumbles, was one of four Seahawks defensive players named to the NFC Pro Bowl squad Tuesday night along with linebacker Bobby Wagner, defensive end Michael Bennett and cornerback Richard Sherman.

"It's an honor," Avril said on the NFL Network after the Pro Bowl rosters were announced. "To get the recognition from your peers and the media, it's definitely an honor. I'm glad to have finally gotten one after nine years."

Avril, whose 25 quarterback hits rank second in the NFL, is also the Seahawks' 2016 nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. In addition to enjoying a career-year on the field, Avril has been busy off the field as well, spending time this offseason in Haiti helping rebuild a school and hosting youth clinics. Avril has also pledged to fund construction of a new house in Haiti through New Story Charity for every sack he records this season.