Michael Vick, Atlanta Falcons highlight Pro Bowl selections
Michael Vick marked another milestone during his NFL resurrection Tuesday. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback earned his first Pro Bowl invite since returning to the league following a two-season absence while he served 18 months in federal prison for operating a dogfighting ring. Vick, who garnered more than 1.5 million all-star votes from fans, is having his best statistical season (2,755 yards and 20 TDs passing, 613 yards and eight TDs rushing) and was the NFC's top-rated passer (103.6) entering Tuesday night's game vs. the Minnesota Vikings. Air Max 90 "I'm just blessed to be here," he said last week. "I spent two Christmases in (prison), and that was by far the toughest thing I've had to do. Each and every year I reflect on that, and I think it will always make the holiday season more gratifying. "Just thankful for a lot, thankful for the opportunity that I've been given, thankful for the blessings, and hopefully they'll continue to come." Vick, a Pro Bowler three times during his first six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, will start opposite New England Patriots signal-caller Tom Brady, who is the league's top-rated passer (109.8), and the only player with more fan votes — and probably more MVP support (34 TD passes, record 319 consecutive passes without an INT) — than Vick. THE HUDDLE: Tom Brady wins balloting among fans Air Jordan 4 The Falcons will send a league-high seven players to the Pro Bowl, which will be played in Honolulu on Jan. 30, a week prior to Super Bowl XLV. Roddy White, who has a league-best (and career-high) 109 receptions, will start at wideout for the NFC alongside the Detroit Lions' Calvin Johnson. Atlanta's entire backfield — quarterback Matt Ryan, tailback Michael Turner and fullback Ovie Mughelli— is Hawaii-bound. Tight end Tony Gonzalez, defensive end John Abraham and special teams ace Eric Weems also got the call. Johnson is among 21 first-time all-stars and will be joined by teammate and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, the game's only rookie starter. Other rookies making the cut were Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty and Tennessee Titans return specialist Marc Mariani. The AFC team will have six Patriots players with linebacker Jerod Mayo, nose tackle Vince Wilfork, safety Brandon Meriweather and guard Logan Mankins (who missed the first seven games amid a contract impasse) joining Brady and McCourty. Four teams — the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers— will not be represented. The rosters were determined with input from fans, players and coaches. Players who are Super Bowl-bound will be replaced. Long snappers will be added later. Air Jordan 1