Posted on: Friday, February 9, 2007

Pro Bowl has drawing power

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

Twenty-eight and going strong.

Like the previous 27 Pro Bowl games, this year is a sellout, too.

The game came to Hawai'i in 1980, featuring stars such as Archie Manning, and it continues to foster decades later, this time featuring Peyton Manning, Archie's son.

The NFL's postseason all-star game played at the 50,000-seat Halawa facility was announced as a sellout last Friday. Saturday's game will kickoff at 1 p.m. CBS will broadcast the game live.

The Pro Bowl teams — 42 players each for the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference — are voted on by fans, players and coaches.

"It's an honor and a privilege to be out here for the the third straight year," said New York Giants running back Tiki Barber who will play in the Pro Bowl with his twin brother Ronde, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback.

"It's particularly exciting because this will be my last professional game because I'm retiring after this year."

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning received 1,183,468 votes to lead in fan balloting.

"Just being here is an honor in itself," said Kansas City right guard Will Shields, who will play in his 12th consecutive Pro Bowl. "I enjoy every minute of it."

Two players with Hawai'i ties are scheduled to play in the Pro Bowl: Chicago Bears center Olin Kreutz (Saint Louis School) and Dallas Cowboys punter Mat McBriar (University of Hawai'i).

Players on the winning team will each receive $40,000 (coaches get $15,000), while losing team members each receive $20,000 (coaches get $10,000).