Harrison, Hampton named to AFC Pro Bowl team

Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison and nose tackle Casey Hampton have been selected to the 2010 AFC Pro Bowl team announced today by the NFL. Harrison was named the team’s only starter in the NFL’s annual All-Star game.

The Pro Bowl will be played Sunday, January 31, 2010, at Land Shark Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Pro Bowl squads were selected by a combined voting of fans, players and coaches.

Harrison was named a starter on the AFC Pro Bowl squad for the third consecutive season, in as many seasons as a starter for the Steelers. The 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year posted another outstanding season in 2009 with 70 tackles, 10 sacks, five forced fumbles and 20 quarterback pressures.

Harrison was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month of October in 2009 when he registered seven sacks and 21 tackles. He recorded a season-high three quarterback sacks in Week 5 at Detroit, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Hampton will make his fifth Pro Bowl appearance in nine NFL seasons. The anchor of the NFL’s third-ranked rushing defense, Hampton has recorded 40 tackles and a career-high 2.5 quarterback sacks this season. Hampton was also a member of the 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008 AFC Pro Bowl squads. His five Pro Bowl appearances rank fourth in Steelers’ history among defensive linemen behind only Joe Greene (10), Ernie Stautner (nine) and L.C. Greenwood (six).

Pro Bowl Notes: The Steelers will send a linebacker to the Pro Bowl for the eighth time in the past 10 seasons and for the 16th time in the past 20 years…The Steelers are sending multiple players to the Pro Bowl for the ninth straight season and the 18th time in the last 21 seasons.

AFC Pro Bowl Team (Starters = *)

* Peyton Manning, Indianapolis

Philip Rivers, San Diego

Tom Brady, New England

Running back

* Chris Johnson, Tennessee

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville

Ray Rice, Baltimore

* Le'Ron McClain, Baltimore

Wide receiver

* Andre Johnson, Houston

* Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis

Brandon Marshall, Denver

Wes Welker, New England

Tight end

* Dallas Clark, Indianapolis

Antonio Gates, San Diego

Tackle

* Jake Long, Miami

* Ryan Clady, Denver

Joe Thomas, Cleveland

Guard

* Logan Mankins, New England

* Alan Faneca, N.Y. Jets

Kris Dielman, San Diego

Center

* Nick Mangold, N.Y. Jets

Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis

Defensive end

* Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis

* Robert Mathis, Indianapolis

Mario Williams, Houston

Defensive Linemen

* Haloti Ngata, Baltimore

* Vince Wilfork, New England

Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh

Outside linebacker

* Elvis Dumervil, Denver

* James Harrison, Pittsburgh

Brian Cushing, Houston

Inside/midde linebacker

* Ray Lewis, Baltimore

DeMeco Ryans, Houston

Cornerback

* Darrelle Revis, N.Y. Jets

* Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland

Champ Bailey, Denver

Free safety

* Ed Reed, Baltimore

Jairus Byrd, Buffalo

Strong safety

* Brian Dawkins, Denver

Special teams

Punter

Shane Lechler, Oakland

Placekicker

Nate Kaeding, San Diego

Kick returner

Josh Cribbs, Cleveland