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Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Maurkice Pouncey was voted to the Pro Bowl as a rookie and will back up starting center Nick Mangold. (Chaz Palla/Tribune-Review)Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey hasn't just been one of the top rookies in the NFL this season. He has been one of the best players — period.
Pouncey was voted to the first of what could be many Pro Bowls for the 6-foot-4, 304-pounder, the league announced Tuesday. He is the Steelers' first rookie offensive lineman to earn the honor in more than 50 years.
Pouncey joined strong safety Troy Polamalu and outside linebacker James Harrison as the Steelers' representatives on the AFC all-star squad. The three were selected in a vote of fans, coaches and players.
Polamalu and Harrison each made the AFC team as starters; Pouncey is a backup to the New York Jets' Nick Mangold.
Polamalu, who is tied for second in the NFL with six interceptions, has been selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls. Harrison has made the Pro Bowl every season since becoming a starter for the Steelers in 2007. His 11 sacks lead the team and are tied for the eighth-most in the NFL. He also is tied for second in the NFL with six forced fumbles.
The Pro Bowl will be played Jan. 30 in Honolulu. The Steelers, of course, hope none of their players take part, since that would mean they are preparing for Super Bowl XLV.
Pouncey is the first Steelers rookie to make the Pro Bowl since linebacker Kendrell Bell in 2001. He is the first Steelers center to make the game since Jeff Hartings in 2005. And he is the first Steelers rookie offensive lineman to make it since tackle Frank Varrichione in 1955.
His selection was another leap in what has been a rapid ascent since the Steelers took Pouncey with the 18th pick of April's draft. The Steelers initially planned to play Pouncey at guard, but he performed so well at center during training camp that they released incumbent Justin Hartwig.
Pouncey has started every game and has drawn comparisons with former Steeler Dermontti Dawson because of his blend of strength and athleticism.
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