Vick, Brady, 4 rookies make Pro Bowl
FILE - In this file photo taken Oct. 3, 2010, Washington Redskins safety LaRon Landry, left, stretches to reach Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick during the first half of an NFL football game in Philadelphia. The star quarterback's remarkable comeback story has captured the world's attention and transcended sports. He has worked hard to rejuvenate his image, and he's winning more and more people over along the way. Vick has landed an endorsement with Woodbury Nissan, a car dealership in nearby New Jersey. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady attempts a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010. New England won 34-3. Brady set an NFL record for pass attempts without an interception on the play. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)
NEW YORK — Michael Vick’s sensational comeback now includes a Pro Bowl start.
The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, who sat out two seasons while serving a federal sentence for dogfighting, will start for the NFC in the Jan. 30 Pro Bowl in Honolulu. The honor is yet another major step in Vick’s resurgence.
Vick made three Pro Bowls with Atlanta before he was suspended by the league and served jail time for running a dogfighting ring. This season, he has gone from a seldom-used backup to the NFC’s leading passer, the catalyst for Philadelphia’s dynamic offense. The Eagles had five players selected.
Atlanta, which leads the NFC with a 12-3 record, had the most Pro Bowlers with seven, including quarterback Matt Ryan, receiver Roddy White and defensive end John Abraham.
New England (13-2), the AFC leader, had six Pro Bowlers, led by QB Tom Brady, the league’s top passer who will make his sixth trip to the game — providing the Patriots don’t make the Super Bowl. The game will be played the Sunday before the title game at Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
Baltimore, Green Bay and Dallas also had five players voted in by players, coaches and fans.
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Four rookies were chosen, with DT Ndamukong Suh of Detroit a starter for the NFC. Cornerback Devin McCourty of New England, kick returner Marc Mariani of Tennessee and center Maurkice Pouncey of Pittsburgh made the AFC squad.
The only teams not represented were Buffalo, Cincinnati, Seattle and Tampa Bay.
Also chosen from the Eagles were receiver DeSean Jackson, tackle Jason Peters, cornerback Asante Samuel and placekicker David Akers. Philadelphia was playing Minnesota on Tuesday night and Vick was not available before the game to comment.
The other Falcons were tight end Tony Gonzalez, fullback Ovie Mughelli, running back Michael Turner and special teamer Eric Weems.
Joining Brady in Honolulu from the Patriots will be McCourty; guard Logan Mankins, who missed a portion of the season in a contract dispute; linebacker Jerod Mayo; safety Brandon Merriweather; and nose tackle Vince Wilfork.
