Bears Send Seven to Pro Bowl

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Dec 20, 2006 6:30PM

Although it's not as if anyone actually watches the Pro Bowl, the NFL announced the Pro Bowl rosters on Tuesday. Seven Bears have been invited to Hawaii for the postseason all-star game.

As expected, the bulk of the slections are on defense and special teams. Linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, as well as defensive tackle Tommie Harris (on IR, won't play) will represent the defense, while rookie Devin Hester was voted in as the kick returner, Robbie Gould as the placekicker, and Brendon Ayanbadejo as a special-teams player. Center Olin Kreutz was the lone offensive selection.

Amazingly though, Bears QB Rex Grossman was nearly selected. Despite a passer rating among the bottom half of all NFL starting QBs, he managed to finish 4th in the balloting behind Drew Brees, Tony Romo and Mark Bulger.

While seven Bears were invited, Chicagoist expects that a number will not attend the game. Harris is definitely out after season-ending surgery last week. And expect a number of others to bow out due to nagging injuries — particularly if the Bears play in the Super Bowl the week before.