For the first time since 1994, six members of the Cleveland Browns will represent the organization in Hawaii as quarterback Derek Anderson and tight end Kellen Winslow were named to the Pro Bowl squad.
Anderson will replace Tom Brady, who will be too busy plowing supermodels to bother with an exhibition game, while Winslow will replaced the injured Antonio Gates.
Josh Cribbs and Braylon Edwards were voted on to the original team, while Joe Thomas and Ryan Pontbriand were added to the squads later.
Winslow becomes the second draft pick of the Butch Davis Era to make the Pro Bowl, joining the long-snapping Pontbriand.
Here's the Browns press release regarding the latest Pro Bowl additions:
Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson and tight end Kellen Winslow were named to the 2008 AFC Pro Bowl roster, the league announced today. Anderson replaces New England quarterback Tom Brady and Winslow replaces San Diego tight end Antonio Gates.
“We're excited the Browns will have such a presence at the Pro Bowl this year,” said Browns Senior Vice President and General Manager, Phil Savage. “Kellen (Winslow) has overcome so much in the past two years and is a real catalyst for our team. Derek (Anderson) became the starter under difficult conditions after week one and led us to ten wins and a 7-0 home record. Both will grow from this experience in Hawaii.”
Anderson was 10-5 as a starter and completed 298-of-527 passing for 3,787 yards with 29 touchdowns and 19 interceptions for a 82.5 quarterback rating. Anderson finished the season tied for second in franchise history with 29 passing touchdowns, fifth in attempts (527), fifth in passing yards (3,787) and sixth in completions (298).
Winslow led the Browns with 82 receptions and ranked second on the club with 1,106 yards receiving and five touchdowns. Winslow’s 1,106 yards receiving are the most by a Browns tight end in franchise history and third overall in franchise annals.
Anderson and Winslow join Browns kick returner Joshua Cribbs, wide receiver Braylon Edwards, long snapper Ryan Pontbriand and left tackle Joe Thomas as the first Browns players selected to the Pro Bowl since LB Jamir Miller was named during the 2001 season (2002 Pro Bowl).
The last time the Browns had six players named to the Pro Bowl was following the 1994 season when six Browns players went to Hawaii. The last Browns quarterback named to the Pro Bowl was Bernie Kosar in the 1987 season (1988 Pro Bowl) and the last Browns tight end named to the Pro Bowl was Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome in the 1985 season (1986 Pro Bowl).