Vols 23-year Pro Bowl Streak Continues

The University of Tennessee keeps its streak alive of former Vols chosen to play in the annual NFC/AFC Pro Bowl game as Peyton Manning, Jason Witten and Albert Haynesworth were named starters to the Feb. 8, 2009, contest in Honolulu.

A Volunteer has appeared in every Pro Bowl since 1987, a span of 23 years. This marks the seventh consecutive year in which at least three Vols have made the team. An all-time high of five made it in 1996 when defensive back Dale Carter (Kansas City), defensive back Terry McDaniel (Oakland), wide receiver Anthony Miller (Denver), wide receiver Carl Pickens (Cincinnati) and defensive lineman Reggie White (Green Bay) were named Pro Bowlers.

Four former Vols earned MVP honors including Bert Rechichar in 1957, Doug Atkins in 1959, Reggie White in 1987 and Manning in 2005.

Manning, the starter for the AFC at quarterback, is making his eighth consecutive appearance and ninth overall as a member of the Indianapolis Colts (10-4). The MVP of the 2005 Pro Bowl is the fourth leading passer in the NFL with 3543 yards through 14 games with 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The 11-year veteran has thrown for 45,169 yards and 329 touchdown passes in his career, which rank seventh and fourth, respectively, in the NFL annals.

Witten, the starter for the NFC at tight end, is making his fifth consecutive appearance. The leading receiver for the Dallas Cowboys (9-5) has 69 catches for 815 yards and three touchdowns. He ranks third in the NFL in receptions and second in receiving yards among tight ends. He is in his sixth season with the Cowboys and has career totals of 4785 yards on 417 receptions with 24 touchdowns.

Haynesworth, a starter at defensive tackle for the AFC, is making his second straight Pro Bowl appearance as a member of the Tennessee Titans (12-2). He is having his best year as a pro with 51 tackles, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. In his seventh NFL season, Haynesworth has 271 tackles and 24 career sacks.