While it was expected that Donovan McNabb would be added to the Pro Bowl roster, a surprise announcement came on Monday morning that strong safety Quintin Mikell will also make the trip to Miami for the all-star game. It is the first Pro Bowl nomination for Mikell, a one-time rookie free agent who just completed his seventh NFL season.
Now, with McNabb and Mikell in the fold, the Eagles are sending nine players to represent the NFC in the Pro Bowl. It is the largest contingent of Eagles players since they had 10 go to Hawaii following the Super Bowl run in 2004.
Mikell was a rock at strong safety starting in all 16 games. He had a team-high 122 tackles, nine pass knockdowns, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. A two-time Eagles Special Teams MVP, Mikell took over as the starter on a full-time basis for the first time in 2008. He didn't make the Pro Bowl last year, but he was named second-team All-Pro by The Associated Press.
Undrafted in 2003 out of Boise State, Mikell was signed by the Eagles and made the 53-man roster out of training camp.
The Pro Bowl is being played a week before the Super Bowl for the first time this year. The game will be held at Sun Life Stadium on Sun., Jan. 31 at 7:30 PM and can be seen on ESPN.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 9:53 a.m., January 25
