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Packer Pro Bowlers

Rodgers, Bakhtiari selected to NFC squad

by Mark Daniels

The election returns have come in and the popular vote shows a pair of Green Bay Packers are Pro Bowl bound.

The AFC and NFC rosters for the annual popularity contest football game the week before the Super Bowl were announced on Tuesday night and Aaron Rodgers and David Bakhtiari will represent the Green Bay Packers on the NFC side.

For Rodgers, this is his 8th Pro Bowl, one shy of of the franchise record held by Brett Favre and Forrest Gregg.  In directing the team to an 11-3 record and first playoff appearance in three years, Rodgers has thrown 24 touchdowns against just two interceptions with a passer rating of 100.4 for the season.

Bakhtiari will appear in his second Pro Bowl but his first was as an injury replacement.  This is the first time the veteran left tackle has been elected onto the roster.

The Packers have two first alternate players, kicker Mason Crosby and linebacker Za'Darius Smith.    Crosby has been nearly perfect on the year with 86 points hitting 16 of 17 field goals and every one of his extra points.   Smith has made a huge impact with the pass rush in his first season with the Packers, recording 10 sacks on the year.

Crosby was beaten out by Will Lutz of New Orleans while Shaquil Barrett of Tampa Bay, Chandler Jones of Arizona and Khalil Mack of Chicago made the team at outside linebacker.

The Baltimore Ravens led the NFL with 12 Pro Bowl players, Kansas City and New Orleans each had seven.

Former Wisconsin Badgers who have become Pro Bowlers include Russell Wilson of Seattle, Travis Frederick at center for Dallas and Pittsburgh linebacker T.J. Watt.

Several other Green Bay players were named as alternates including Davante Adams, Adrian Amos, Jaire Alexander, Aaron Jones, Kenny Clark, Corey Linsley,  Preston Smith and Danny Vitale.

The Pro Bowl will be played January 26 in Orlando, Florida.

Mark Daniels

I’ve got Green and Gold in my blood having grown up in Titletown and it’s been a treat watching and covering sports from the Packers to the preps for you in Green Bay for Midwest Communications.
As a kid, I chased Packer players for autographs, I’m still chasing ‘em now for quotes on the big play or big game. I’ve had the opportunity to cover Super Bowls, the World Series, Stanley Cup Finals, NBA playoffs and major championship golf over the years but I get just as much enjoyment following the college scene at UWGB or St. Norbert, the Green Bay Gamblers and high school sports.
Our prep coverage was honored as the best of 2007 reinforcing our commitment to give these hard working boys and girls their due.
My work has also been recognized by the Associated Press and Wisconsin Broadcasters Association with several achievement awards.
Outside of the studio, off the field or away from the gym, I’ve had the pleasure of helping dozens of organizations over the years. I’ve served as race announcer and master of ceremonies at the Bellin Run almost from it’s beginning, spoken to various service clubs and hosted charity golf events or team banquets.
My wife Kari and I have raised two active children which has kept us involved in both school and club athletics for nearly 15 years. Chances are you’ll see me on a golf course when the weather’s nice. My roots are deep and that’s why I’m so enthusiastic about this area’s sporting scene, and as I often say, “Watching kids play games helps keep me young!”
Thanks for listening and see you at the game.