Being named a Pro Bowl starter is a badge of honor for NFL players. For many, it means a significant financial bonus and affords them the bragging rights of being one of the NFL’s best at their position. In total, there are 26 named starters for each team — 11 on offense, 11 on defense and four specialists.
On the NFC side, Michael Vick leads the way after an outstanding comeback year with the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s joined in the backfield by Michael Turner, with Roddy White and Calvin Johnson on the outside as his wide receivers. Turner and White lead the way for the Falcons, who had an NFL-best nine Pro Bowl selections in 2011.
For the AFC, it’s Phillip Rivers taking the snaps to begin the game. Rookie Arian Foster will start at running back for the AFC stars, capping a stellar rookie campaign. Reggie Wayne and Brandon Lloyd will be on the receiving end of Rivers’ passes to start the game.
NFC Starters
Quarterback – Michael Vick
Running back – Michael Turner
Fullback – Ovie Mughelli
Wide receiver – Roddy White
Wide receiver- Calvin Johnson
Tight end – Jason Witten
Tackle – Jordan Gross
Guard – Jahri Evans
Center – Andre Gurode
Guard – Chris Snee
Tackle – Tyson Clabo
Defensive end – Julius Peppers
Defensive tackle – Justin Smith
Defensive tackle -- Jay Ratliff
Defensive end- John Abraham
Linebacker – DeMarcus Ware
Linebacker – Brian Orakpo
Linebacker – Jonathan Vilma
Cornerback – DeAngelo Hall
Safety – Antrel Rolle
Safety – Adrian Wilson
Cornerback – Brent Grimes
Punter – Mat McBriar
Kicker – David Akers
Kick returner – Devin Hester
Special teamer – Eric Weems
AFC Starters
Quarterback – Philip Rivers
Running back – Arian Foster
Fullback – Vonta Leach
Wide receiver – Reggie Wayne
Wide receiver- Brandon Lloyd
Tight end- Mercedes Lewis
Tackle – Joe Thomas
Guard – Kris Dielman
Center – Jeff Saturday
Guard – Logan Mankins
Tackle- D'Brickashaw Ferguson
Defensive end – Robert Mathis
Defensive tackle – Haloti Ngata
Defensive tackle – Vince Wilfork
Defensive end – Jason Babin
Linebacker – Cameron Wake
Linebacker- Terrell Suggs
Linebacker – Ray Lewis
Cornerback – Darrelle Revis
Safety – Brandon Meriweather
Safety – Eric Berry
Cornerback – Devin McCourty
Punter – Shane Lechler
Kicker – Billy Cundiff
Kick return – Marc Mariani
Special teamer – Montell Owens
Because it’s an all-star game, every player on the roster will see time on the field in Hawaii. The starters will, of course, begin the game, but we’ll see a rotating cast of characters throughout the game as coaches work to give everyone a look. For the full AFC and NFC rosters, go here.
The action kicks off at 4 p.m. in Hawaii on FOX. Follow our Pro Bowl StoryStream for updates throughout the game as the AFC battles the NFC at the Aloha Bowl.