Posted at 12:51 p.m., Wednesday, January 30, 2008
NFL: McGahee replaces Tomlinson in Pro Bowl
Advertiser Staff
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson withdrew from the Pro Bowl today, paving the way for Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee to receive his first appearance in the game.McGahee, a second alternate, earned a trip to Hawaii because Tomlinson has a sprained knee. McGahee missed Baltimore's regular-season finale with broken ribs but has sufficiently recovered and is eager to be part of the AFC squad.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be going to the Pro Bowl, especially when your peers have a say in the matter," McGahee said in a statement. "It is a goal that I have had for a long time, and I am going to enjoy every second of this. To be going with three other Ravens is also special. They always told me the first Pro Bowl is always the most special. I can't wait to share this with my teammates."
Linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed were also selected to play in the Pro Bowl; offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden has pulled out.
In his first season with Baltimore, McGahee finished eighth in the NFL with 1,207 yards rushing on a career-high 294 carries. He also ranked third on the Ravens with 43 receptions (for 231 yards and a touchdown). He scored eight TDs.
