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2007 All-Pro Team
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| 2007 All-Pro Team |
|---|
| All-Pro |
| 2007 NFL season |
| Selectors |
|
Associated Press Pro Football Writers of America Sporting News |
| 2006 ← → 2008 |
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (April 2024) |
The 2007 All-Pro teams were named by the Associated Press (AP), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), and The Sporting News (TSN) for performance in the 2007 NFL season. Both first and second teams are listed for the Associated Press.
These are the current teams that historically appear in Total Football: The Official Encyclopedia of the NFL. Although the NFL has no official awards according to the NFL spokesman Greg Aiello the NFL Record and Fact Book has historically listed All-Pro teams from major news sources such as the Associated Press, Sporting News, Pro Football Writers Association, as well as teams from organizations that no longer release All-Pro teams such as Newspaper Enterprise Association and United Press International.
The AP teams are selected by writers of the NFL. The Pro Football Writers Association team is from a poll of its more than 300 members and the editors and writers for Pro Football Weekly. The Sporting News's All-Pro team was determined through voting by professional NFL personnel directors.
Teams
[edit]Key
[edit]- AP = Associated Press first-team All-Pro
- AP-2 = Associated Press second-team All-Pro
- AP-2t = Tied for second-team All-Pro in the AP vote
- PFWA = Pro Football Writers Association All-NFL
- SN = Sporting News All-Pro
References
[edit]2007 All-Pro Team
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
All-Pro Teams in the NFL
In American football, an All-Pro team is an honorary selection recognizing the top performers at each position across the entire National Football League (NFL) for a given season, based on evaluations by media professionals rather than league officials or fans.[3] These teams typically consist of a first-team roster of the elite players, with occasional second-team honors, and serve as a benchmark for individual achievement distinct from the NFL's official awards like Most Valuable Player (MVP).[4] The concept of All-Pro teams originated in the early 20th century, shortly after the NFL's formation in 1920, when sportswriters began compiling informal lists of standout players.[5] The first known All-Pro team was selected in 1920 by a writer for the Rock Island Argus, followed by similar efforts in 1921 by the Buffalo Evening News and in 1922 by player-coaches George Halas and Guy Chamberlin; the Green Bay Press-Gazette began naming All-Pro teams in 1923.[5] By the mid-20th century, media organizations formalized the process through national panels of voters; for instance, the Associated Press began its annual All-Pro selections in 1940, while the Pro Football Writers of America initiated theirs in 1966.[3][6] All-Pro teams play a key role in spotlighting individual excellence by aggregating media consensus on the season's best talents, independent of team success or official NFL honors like the MVP, which focuses on a single standout player.[4] This media-driven approach provides a broader, expert-driven validation of performance, often influencing Hall of Fame considerations and player legacies.[3] Unlike the Pro Bowl, which selects top players per conference (AFC and NFC) through a combination of fan, player, and coach votes and includes multiple alternates per position, All-Pro teams identify the absolute best league-wide without conference divisions or fan input.[4] All-Pro honors are generally viewed as more prestigious due to their focus on elite, position-specific supremacy rather than the Pro Bowl's larger roster and popularity contest elements.[4] They also differ from All-Rookie teams, which recognize outstanding first-year players rather than established veterans.[3] In 2007, multiple media organizations, including the Associated Press and Pro Football Writers of America, independently compiled their All-Pro teams to reflect this consensus.[6]The 2007 NFL Season
The 2007 NFL season consisted of 32 teams split evenly between the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC), with each conference divided into four divisions of four teams. The regular season ran from September 6 to December 30, 2007, during which every team played 16 games, including six against divisional opponents, four against teams from another division in their conference, four against teams from a division in the opposite conference on a rotating basis, and two against teams from the same conference based on the prior year's standings. This structure fostered intense divisional rivalries and balanced competition across conferences.[7][8] A defining highlight was the New England Patriots' undefeated 16-0 regular season, propelled by quarterback Tom Brady's league-leading 4,806 passing yards and NFL-record 50 touchdown passes, alongside wide receiver Randy Moss's record 23 receiving touchdowns and 1,493 receiving yards. The Patriots set a single-season scoring record with 589 points, averaging 36.8 per game, which epitomized the era's offensive explosion. Meanwhile, the season saw other potent attacks, such as the Indianapolis Colts defending their Super Bowl title with a balanced offense led by Peyton Manning, and the Green Bay Packers surging under Brett Favre's 4,155 passing yards and 28 touchdowns.[9][10] In the playoffs, the New York Giants emerged as underdogs, securing the NFC wild card spot with a 10-6 record before stunning the top-seeded Dallas Cowboys 21-17 in the divisional round, the NFC champion Green Bay Packers 23-20 in overtime at Lambeau Field, and finally the Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants' victory denied New England a perfect 19-0 campaign and marked the first time an NFC wild card team won the Super Bowl. League trends included elevated scoring across the board, with teams averaging 21.1 points per game, contrasted by defensive standouts like the Giants' playoff run defense that limited opponents to just 296 rushing yards over four games. Rookies also shone, notably Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who rushed for an NFL-record 296 yards and three touchdowns in a single game against the San Diego Chargers on November 4, 2007, en route to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.[11][12][10][13][14] Tom Brady's dominance earned him the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award and the AP Offensive Player of the Year honor, both unanimously, underscoring his pivotal role in the season's narrative. These standout performances provided key context for All-Pro recognitions, emphasizing players who elevated their teams amid the competitive landscape.[15]Selection Processes
Associated Press
The Associated Press (AP), a prominent news wire service, compiles its annual NFL All-Pro Team through votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media professionals, consisting of writers and broadcasters who regularly cover the league.[1] Panelists vote for the top player at each position based on regular-season performance, with first-team honors going to the highest vote recipients—typically 12 on offense (including quarterback, two running backs, fullback, two wide receivers, tight end, two offensive tackles, two guards, and center), 11 on defense (two defensive ends, two defensive tackles, two outside linebackers, one middle linebacker, two cornerbacks, and two safeties), and specialists such as kicker, punter, and returners—while second-team selections recognize the runners-up.[2][1] The process prioritizes metrics like statistical output (e.g., yards gained, sacks recorded), game-changing impact, and consistent play, focusing on players' individual roles in driving team achievements.[1] Unanimous first-team votes demand complete agreement from the entire panel, highlighting exceptional dominance.[1] The 2007 AP All-Pro Team was announced on January 9, 2008, after the regular season ended but before the Super Bowl playoffs concluded.[1] That year, only running back LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers and wide receiver Randy Moss of the New England Patriots earned unanimous first-team nods, receiving all 50 votes.[1] In contrast to the Pro Football Writers of America's broader poll of more than 300 members or The Sporting News' votes from NFL coaches, coordinators, and executives, the AP's method relies on this curated group of 50 media experts for a focused evaluation.[16][17]Pro Football Writers of America
The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), an organization comprising over 300 accredited writers, editors, and broadcasters who cover the NFL on a daily basis, conducts its All-Pro selections through a ballot open to its full membership along with contributors from Pro Football Weekly.[6][18] This process, established since the PFWA's inception of annual All-NFL teams in 1966, focuses exclusively on a single first-team selection without a second team, reflecting the association's emphasis on identifying the absolute top performers from the regular season.[6] Voting occurs via ballot shortly after the regular season concludes, typically in early January during the week of the AFC and NFC Championship Games, allowing members to evaluate players based on comprehensive analysis including statistical performance, advanced metrics, and film study of games.[19][18] Selections prioritize factors such as positional value, on-field leadership, and the ability to deliver game-changing plays, with any ties broken by total vote counts to ensure clear consensus.[18] A distinctive element of the PFWA approach is its strong recognition of special teams contributions, exemplified by the inclusion of players like Devin Hester for his exceptional return roles, highlighting the importance of versatile impact beyond traditional offense and defense.[18] The 2007 PFWA All-Pro team was announced in early January 2008, aligning with similar media outlets to provide timely recognition ahead of the playoffs.[19] This timing facilitated coordinated coverage, and the selections showed notable overlap with other polls, such as the selection of Tom Brady, who received near-unanimous support in the Associated Press voting.[18]The Sporting News
The Sporting News, a longstanding sports publication known for its in-depth NFL coverage, selected its 2007 All-Pro Team through voting by professional NFL personnel directors, capturing an insider perspective on player excellence.[20] The process was limited to a first-team roster, with ballots distributed in the postseason to emphasize evaluations based on game film and respect among peers rather than fan popularity or media buzz. Voters accorded heavy weight to nuanced aspects of play, such as blocking schemes for linemen, pass rush effectiveness for edge defenders, and coverage skills for defensive backs, while downplaying raw statistical outputs like tackles or yards in favor of overall impact and technique.[2] A distinctive element of the TSN selections was the recognition of players like wide receiver Braylon Edwards of the Cleveland Browns, honored for his blend of upside potential and reliable consistency across the season.[2] Historically, The Sporting News' All-Pro teams have tended to align closely with Pro Bowl rosters but stand out by prioritizing the informed judgments of league personnel over broader public or media input. The offensive line choices, for instance, showed notable similarities to those made by the Associated Press.[2]Player Selections
Associated Press First Team
The Associated Press (AP) All-Pro First Team for the 2007 NFL season recognized 27 players as the league's elite performers, selected by a panel of 50 media members who cover the sport weekly.[2] This team highlighted the dominance of the New England Patriots, with five selections, and reflected the era's shift toward pass-heavy offenses, exemplified by quarterback Tom Brady's record-setting 50 touchdown passes.[1] Running back LaDainian Tomlinson and wide receiver Randy Moss earned unanimous votes, underscoring their exceptional individual impacts amid team successes.[1]Offense
The offensive selections emphasized versatile playmakers and a strong offensive line, supporting high-scoring attacks. Brady's aerial assault, including his league-leading 50 touchdown passes, propelled the Patriots to a perfect regular season.[21] Moss complemented this with a single-season record 23 receiving touchdowns, breaking the previous mark set by Jerry Rice.[22] Tomlinson, despite the Chargers' playoff disappointments, led the NFL with 1,474 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, earning his fourth straight first-team nod unanimously.[1]| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Tom Brady | New England Patriots |
| RB | LaDainian Tomlinson | San Diego Chargers |
| RB | Brian Westbrook | Philadelphia Eagles |
| FB | Lorenzo Neal | San Diego Chargers |
| WR | Randy Moss | New England Patriots |
| WR | Terrell Owens | Dallas Cowboys |
| TE | Jason Witten | Dallas Cowboys |
| OT | Walter Jones | Seattle Seahawks |
| OT | Matt Light | New England Patriots |
| OG | Steve Hutchinson | Minnesota Vikings |
| OG | Alan Faneca | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| C | Jeff Saturday | Indianapolis Colts |
Defense
Defensive honorees featured disruptive linemen and coverage specialists, with rookies like linebacker Patrick Willis showcasing immediate impact through 174 tackles and four interceptions.[2] The group included five unanimous or near-unanimous picks, balancing pass rush and run defense in a season where scoring defenses were crucial.[1]| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| DE | Jared Allen | Kansas City Chiefs |
| DE | Patrick Kerney | Seattle Seahawks |
| DT | Albert Haynesworth | Tennessee Titans |
| DT | Kevin Williams | Minnesota Vikings |
| OLB | DeMarcus Ware | Dallas Cowboys |
| OLB | Mike Vrabel | New England Patriots |
| ILB | Patrick Willis | San Francisco 49ers |
| ILB | Lofa Tatupu | Seattle Seahawks |
| CB | Asante Samuel | New England Patriots |
| CB | Antonio Cromartie | San Diego Chargers |
| S | Bob Sanders | Indianapolis Colts |
| S | Ed Reed | Baltimore Ravens |
Special Teams
Special teams selections rewarded consistency in kicking, punting, and returns, with kicker Rob Bironas setting a Titans franchise record with 148 points scored.[2] Return specialist Devin Hester's explosive speed led to league-high return averages, including a 12.9-yard punt return average.[2]| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| K | Rob Bironas | Tennessee Titans |
| P | Andy Lee | San Francisco 49ers |
| KR | Devin Hester | Chicago Bears |
Associated Press Second Team
The Associated Press second-team All-Pro selections for the 2007 NFL season recognized players who finished just behind the first-team honorees in voting by a panel of media members, highlighting performers who demonstrated exceptional skill across the league despite not securing top honors. These selections served as a secondary tier, often featuring established veterans and breakout stars who contributed significantly to their teams' efforts during a competitive year marked by high-scoring offenses and stout defenses.[2] The complete second-team roster, as determined by the AP, included the following players:| Position | Players | Team(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Brett Favre | Green Bay Packers |
| Running Backs | Adrian Peterson, Fred Taylor | Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Fullback | Tony Richardson | Minnesota Vikings |
| Wide Receivers | Reggie Wayne, Braylon Edwards (tied), Wes Welker (tied) | Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots |
| Tight End | Tony Gonzalez | [Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs) |
| Offensive Tackles | Flozell Adams, Jason Peters | Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills |
| Offensive Guards | Leonard Davis, Logan Mankins | Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots |
| Center | Dan Koppen | New England Patriots |
| Defensive Ends | Aaron Kampman, Mario Williams | Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans |
| Defensive Tackles | Pat Williams, Vince Wilfork | Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots |
| Outside Linebackers | James Harrison, Shawne Merriman | Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers |
| Inside Linebackers | Nick Barnett, DeMeco Ryans | Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans |
| Cornerbacks | Champ Bailey, Al Harris | Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers |
| Safeties | Troy Polamalu, Darren Sharper (tied), Sean Taylor (tied) | Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins |
| Kicker | Phil Dawson | Cleveland Browns |
| Punter | Shane Lechler | Oakland Raiders |
| Kick Returner | Josh Cribbs | Cleveland Browns |
PFWA Team
The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) selected its 2007 All-NFL Team based on votes from over 300 members, recognizing the league's top performers in a single-team format without second-team designations. This media-driven selection process emphasized players who excelled across offense, defense, and special teams during the regular season, highlighting dominant individual contributions amid a year defined by high-scoring offenses and pivotal defensive stands. The team featured several players from playoff contenders, reflecting the depth of talent in the New England Patriots' undefeated regular season and other standout campaigns. The offensive lineup was anchored by quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots, who threw for an NFL-record 50 touchdowns, earning widespread acclaim for his precision and leadership. Running backs LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers and Brian Westbrook of the Philadelphia Eagles rounded out the backfield, with Tomlinson's versatile 3,000-plus scrimmage yards underscoring his dual-threat prowess and Westbrook's all-purpose yardage total of over 2,000 exemplifying his receiving and rushing balance. Wide receivers Randy Moss (Patriots) and Terrell Owens (Cowboys) formed a dynamic duo, combining for 23 touchdown receptions, while tight end Jason Witten (Cowboys) provided reliable blocking and receiving with 96 catches. The offensive line included center Jeff Saturday (Colts), guards Steve Hutchinson (Vikings) and Logan Mankins (Patriots), and tackles Matt Light (Patriots) and Walter Jones (Seahawks), a unit noted for protecting quarterbacks and opening lanes effectively. On defense, the front featured defensive ends Patrick Kerney (Seahawks) and Jared Allen (Chiefs), both prolific in sacks with Kerney leading the league at 14.5 and Allen close behind at 14.0, emphasizing the PFWA's focus on pass-rush impact. Defensive tackles Albert Haynesworth (Titans) and Kevin Williams (Vikings) anchored the interior, with Haynesworth's disruptive force yielding 8 sacks from the middle. The linebacker corps consisted of outside linebackers Mike Vrabel (Patriots) and DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys), middle linebacker Patrick Willis (49ers), where Ware's 14 sacks highlighted edge pressure and Willis, a rookie, tallied 174 tackles. In the secondary, cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie (Chargers) and Asante Samuel (Patriots) excelled in interceptions, with Cromartie securing 10 picks, while safeties Ed Reed (Ravens) and Bob Sanders (Colts) brought versatility, Reed with 8 interceptions and Sanders with hard-hitting plays. Special teams selections included placekicker Rob Bironas (Titans), who converted 74.2% of field goals including long-range accuracy; punter Andy Lee (49ers), averaging 45.4 yards per punt; kick returner Josh Cribbs (Browns), leading the NFL with 30.4 yards per return; punt returner Devin Hester (Bears), explosive with two touchdown returns; and special teamer Kassim Osgood (Chargers), recognized for coverage and blocking. Several players, such as Moss and Tomlinson, achieved unanimous selection across major All-Pro teams including the Associated Press, underscoring their consensus dominance.| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Tom Brady | New England Patriots |
| RB | LaDainian Tomlinson | San Diego Chargers |
| RB | Brian Westbrook | Philadelphia Eagles |
| WR | Randy Moss | New England Patriots |
| WR | Terrell Owens | Dallas Cowboys |
| TE | Jason Witten | Dallas Cowboys |
| C | Jeff Saturday | Indianapolis Colts |
| G | Steve Hutchinson | Minnesota Vikings |
| G | Logan Mankins | New England Patriots |
| T | Matt Light | New England Patriots |
| T | Walter Jones | Seattle Seahawks |
| DE | Patrick Kerney | Seattle Seahawks |
| DE | Jared Allen | Kansas City Chiefs |
| DT | Albert Haynesworth | Tennessee Titans |
| DT | Kevin Williams | Minnesota Vikings |
| OLB | Mike Vrabel | New England Patriots |
| OLB | DeMarcus Ware | Dallas Cowboys |
| MLB | Patrick Willis | San Francisco 49ers |
| CB | Antonio Cromartie | San Diego Chargers |
| CB | Asante Samuel | New England Patriots |
| S | Ed Reed | Baltimore Ravens |
| S | Bob Sanders | Indianapolis Colts |
| PK | Rob Bironas | Tennessee Titans |
| P | Andy Lee | San Francisco 49ers |
| KR | Josh Cribbs | Cleveland Browns |
| PR | Devin Hester | Chicago Bears |
| ST | Kassim Osgood | San Diego Chargers |
TSN Team
The Sporting News (TSN) All-Pro Team for the 2007 NFL season was selected through voting by NFL personnel directors, who evaluated players based on their on-field performance and contributions to team success.[2] This process highlighted players deemed essential by league executives, with a particular focus on those driving offensive and defensive dominance. The resulting first-team roster showcased a blend of veteran stars and emerging talents, reflecting the season's competitive landscape. The complete TSN All-Pro Team roster is as follows:| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Tom Brady | New England Patriots |
| RB | LaDainian Tomlinson | San Diego Chargers |
| RB | Adrian Peterson | Minnesota Vikings |
| WR | Randy Moss | New England Patriots |
| WR | Braylon Edwards | Cleveland Browns |
| TE | Jason Witten | Dallas Cowboys |
| OT | Walter Jones | Seattle Seahawks |
| OT | Jason Peters | Buffalo Bills |
| OG | Steve Hutchinson | Minnesota Vikings |
| OG | Logan Mankins | New England Patriots |
| C | Andre Gurode | Dallas Cowboys |
| DE | Jared Allen | Kansas City Chiefs |
| DE | Mario Williams | Houston Texans |
| DT | Albert Haynesworth | Tennessee Titans |
| DT | Kevin Williams | Minnesota Vikings |
| OLB | DeMarcus Ware | Dallas Cowboys |
| ILB | Patrick Willis | San Francisco 49ers |
| ILB | DeMeco Ryans | Houston Texans |
| CB | Asante Samuel | New England Patriots |
| CB | Marcus Trufant | Seattle Seahawks |
| S | Bob Sanders | Indianapolis Colts |
| S | Ed Reed | Baltimore Ravens |
| K | Rob Bironas | Tennessee Titans |
| P | Shane Lechler | Oakland Raiders |
| KR | Josh Cribbs | Cleveland Browns |
| PR | Devin Hester | Chicago Bears |
Notation
Position Abbreviations
The position abbreviations used in the 2007 All-Pro Team selections follow standard NFL conventions for clarity in reporting player honors across offensive, defensive, and special teams units.[26]Offensive Positions
These abbreviations denote key roles in the offensive lineup, responsible for advancing the ball through passing, running, and blocking.| Abbreviation | Position |
|---|---|
| QB | Quarterback |
| RB | Running back |
| FB | Fullback |
| WR | Wide receiver |
| TE | Tight end |
| OT | Offensive tackle |
| OG | Offensive guard |
| C | Center |
Defensive Positions
Defensive abbreviations specify front-seven and secondary roles, tailored to common alignments like the 4-3 (four down linemen, three linebackers) and 3-4 (three down linemen, four linebackers) schemes prevalent in 2007 rosters.[28]| Abbreviation | Position |
|---|---|
| DE | Defensive end |
| DT | Defensive tackle |
| OLB | Outside linebacker |
| ILB | Inside linebacker |
| CB | Cornerback |
| S | Safety |
Special Teams Positions
These cover kicking, punting, and return duties, essential for field position battles.| Abbreviation | Position |
|---|---|
| K | Kicker |
| P | Punter |
| KR | Kick returner |
| PR | Punt returner |
| ST | Special teamer |