In addition to the seven Atlanta Falcons who made the 2011 Pro Bowl, four players with local connections earned a chance to play in the annual all-star game.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets legend Calvin Johnson has earned his first Pro Bowl spot, a long-deserved honor for a player who once led the league in touchdown catches. Megatron has posted his second 1,000 yard season and has a chance to top his league-high 12 touchdowns from 2008.
Georgia Bulldogs great Richard Seymour made his fifth Pro Bowl, but his first as a member of the Oakland Raiders and his first since 2006. Seymour has 5.5 sacks this year and was one of three Raiders defenders/special teamers to earn a spot.
Two former Falcons also made the team: Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick and Washington Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall. Vick played in three Pro Bowls as a Falcon, but hasn’t been since 2005. He was narrowly edged by New England Patriots QB Tom Brady in overall public vote. Hall went to two Pro Bowls in Atlanta, his last in 2006. He’s among the NFL leaders in interceptions, with six.