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2011 Pro Bowl
2011 Pro Bowl
2011 Pro Bowl
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2011 NFL Pro Bowl
DateJanuary 30, 2011
StadiumAloha Stadium
Honolulu, Hawaii
MVPDeAngelo Hall (Washington Redskins)
RefereeTony Corrente
Attendance49,338
Ceremonies
National anthemKris Allen
TV in the United States
NetworkFox
AnnouncersThom Brennaman, Brian Billick, Terry Bradshaw, Tony Siragusa, and Jay Glazer

The 2011 Pro Bowl was the National Football League's all-star game for the 2010 season. It took place at 7:00 p.m. EST (2:00 p.m. local time) on Sunday, January 30, 2011, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC won 55–41, despite leading 42–0.

Return to Hawaii

[edit]

In 2010, the NFL's contract with Hawaii's Aloha Stadium expired, and commissioner (Roger Goodell) reviewed several options of locations for the Pro Bowl. Eventually, it was decided that the 2010 Pro Bowl would be played at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida where Super Bowl XLIV would be held. Goodell also decided the Pro Bowl would be played before Super Bowl XLIV after "looking at alternatives to strengthen the Pro Bowl."[1]

Soon after Goodell made the decision to play the 2010 Pro Bowl in Miami, it was immediately criticized by coaches and players such as Eli Manning,[2] who said, "if the tradition continues, eventually the game will be held in cities that are not desirable vacation destinations."

As a result of backlash from players and critics about the decision to move the 2010 Pro Bowl to Miami, and the state of Hawaii offering a US$4,000,000 subsidy to the league, the NFL moved the game back to Hawaii for 2011,[3] but the game remained before the Super Bowl for the second straight season. Therefore, players on the teams participating in Super Bowl XLV, the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, did not play in the Pro Bowl the Sunday prior.

Scoring summary

[edit]
Scoring Play Score
1st Quarter
NFC – Ovie Mughelli 1 yd. run (David Akers kick) NFC 7–0
NFC – Adrian Peterson 14 yd. run (David Akers kick) NFC 14–0
2nd Quarter
NFC – Tony Gonzalez 4 yd. pass from Matt Ryan (David Akers kick) NFC 21–0
NFC – DeAngelo Hall 34 yd. fumble return (David Akers kick) NFC 28–0
NFC – Larry Fitzgerald 25 yd. pass from Matt Ryan (David Akers kick) NFC 35–0
NFC – Steven Jackson 21 yd. run (David Akers kick) NFC 42–0
AFC – Jamaal Charles 8 yd. run (Billy Cundiff kick) NFC 42–7
3rd Quarter
AFC – Reggie Wayne 16 yd. pass from Philip Rivers (Billy Cundiff kick) NFC 42–14
AFC – Montell Owens 8 yd. fumble return NFC 42–21
NFC – David Akers 41 yd. Field Goal NFC 45–21
AFC – Marcedes Lewis 28 yd. pass from Philip Rivers (Billy Cundiff kick) NFC 45–28
4th Quarter
NFC – David Akers 38 yd. Field Goal NFC 48–28
NFC – Jon Beason 49 yd. interception return (David Akers kick) NFC 55–28
AFC – Montell Owens 7 yd. pass from Matt Cassel (Billy Cundiff kick) NFC 55–35
AFC – Alex Mack 67 yd. pass play from Matt Cassel [21 yd. pass to Dwayne Bowe, lateral to Montell Owens (69 yds), lateral to Alex Mack (40yds)] (2-point conversion pass failed) NFC 55–41

[4]

AFC roster

[edit]

Offense

[edit]
Position Starter(s) Reserve(s) Alternate(s)
Quarterback 12 Tom Brady, New England[b] 17 Philip Rivers, San Diego[c]
18 Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts 		  7 Matt Cassel, Kansas City[a]
Running back 32 Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville[b] 23 Arian Foster, Houston[c]
25 Jamaal Charles, Kansas City 		28 Chris Johnson, Tennessee[a]
Fullback 44 Vonta Leach, Houston
Wide receiver 80 Andre Johnson, Houston[b]
87 Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis 		84 Brandon Lloyd, Denver[c]
82 Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City 		83 Wes Welker, New England[a]
Tight end 85 Antonio Gates, San Diego[b] 89 Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville[c] 80 Zach Miller, Oakland[a]
Offensive tackle 77 Jake Long, Miami[b]
73 Joe Thomas, Cleveland 		60 D'Brickashaw Ferguson, N.Y. Jets[c] 72 Matt Light, New England[a]
Offensive guard 68 Kris Dielman, San Diego
70 Logan Mankins, New England 		54 Brian Waters, Kansas City
Center 74 Nick Mangold, N.Y. Jets[b] 53 Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh[e] 63 Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis[a][c]
55 Alex Mack, Cleveland[a]

Defense

[edit]
Position Starter(s) Reserve(s) Alternate(s)
Defensive end 93 Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis[b]
98 Robert Mathis, Indianapolis 		93 Jason Babin, Tennessee[c] 99 Brett Keisel, Pittsburgh[a][e]
94 Randy Starks, Miami[a]
Defensive tackle 92 Haloti Ngata, Baltimore
75 Vince Wilfork, New England 		92 Richard Seymour, Oakland[b] 95 Kyle Williams, Buffalo[a]
Outside linebacker 92 James Harrison, Pittsburgh[e]
91 Cameron Wake, Miami 		55 Terrell Suggs, Baltimore[c] 91 Tamba Hali, Kansas City[a][b]
95 Shaun Phillips, San Diego[a]
Inside linebacker 52 Ray Lewis, Baltimore 51 Jerod Mayo, New England
Cornerback 21 Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland[b]
24 Darrelle Revis, N.Y. Jets 		32 Devin McCourty, New England[c] 24 Champ Bailey, Denver[a]
Free safety 20 Ed Reed, Baltimore[b] 31 Brandon Meriweather, New England[c]
Strong safety 43 Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh[e] 33 Michael Griffin, Tennessee[a][c][f]
29 Eric Berry, Kansas City[a]

Special teams

[edit]
Position Starter(s) Reserve(s) Alternate(s)
Punter   9 Shane Lechler, Oakland
Placekicker   7 Billy Cundiff, Baltimore
Kick returner 83 Marc Mariani, Tennessee
Special teamer 24 Montell Owens, Jacksonville
Long snapper 92 John Denney, Miami[d]

NFC roster

[edit]

Offense

[edit]
Position Starter(s) Reserve(s) Alternate(s)
Quarterback   7 Michael Vick, Philadelphia   2 Matt Ryan, Atlanta
  9 Drew Brees, New Orleans
Running back 33 Michael Turner, Atlanta 28 Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
39 Steven Jackson, St. Louis
Fullback 34 Ovie Mughelli, Atlanta
Wide receiver 84 Roddy White, Atlanta
81 Calvin Johnson, Detroit 		10 DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia[b]
85 Greg Jennings, Green Bay[e] 		80 Donald Driver, Green Bay[a][e]
11 Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona[a]
19 Miles Austin, Dallas[a]
Tight end 82 Jason Witten, Dallas 88 Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta
Offensive tackle 71 Jason Peters, Philadelphia[b]
69 Jordan Gross, Carolina 		76 Chad Clifton, Green Bay[e] 77 Tyson Clabo, Atlanta[a][c]
70 Donald Penn, Tampa Bay[a]
Offensive guard 73 Jahri Evans, New Orleans
76 Chris Snee, N.Y. Giants 		77 Carl Nicks, New Orleans
Center 65 Andre Gurode, Dallas 60 Shaun O'Hara, N.Y. Giants[b] 67 Ryan Kalil, Carolina[a]

Defense

[edit]
Position Starter(s) Reserve(s) Alternate(s)
Defensive end 90 Julius Peppers, Chicago
55 John Abraham, Atlanta 		91 Justin Tuck, N.Y. Giants
Defensive tackle 90 Ndamukong Suh, Detroit[b]
90 Jay Ratliff, Dallas 		94 Justin Smith, San Francisco[c] 93 Kevin Williams, Minnesota[a][b]
90 Darnell Dockett, Arizona[a]
Outside linebacker 52 Clay Matthews, Green Bay[e]
94 DeMarcus Ware, Dallas 		55 Lance Briggs, Chicago[b] 98 Brian Orakpo, Washington[a][c]
52 Jon Beason, Carolina[a]
Inside linebacker 52 Patrick Willis, San Francisco[b] 54 Brian Urlacher, Chicago[b] 51 Jonathan Vilma, New Orleans[a][c][g]
59 London Fletcher, Washington[a]
56 E. J. Henderson, Minnesota[a][g]
Cornerback 22 Asante Samuel, Philadelphia[b]
21 Charles Woodson, Green Bay[e] 		23 DeAngelo Hall, Washington[c] 38 Tramon Williams, Green Bay[a][e]
26 Antoine Winfield, Minnesota[a]
20 Brent Grimes, Atlanta[a][c]
Free safety 36 Nick Collins, Green Bay[e] 26 Antrel Rolle, N.Y. Giants[c] 41 Roman Harper, New Orleans[a]
Strong safety 24 Adrian Wilson, Arizona

Special teams

[edit]
Position Starter(s) Reserve(s) Alternate(s)
Punter   1 Mat McBriar, Dallas
Placekicker   2 David Akers, Philadelphia
Kick returner 23 Devin Hester, Chicago
Special teamer 14 Eric Weems, Atlanta
Long snapper 51 Zak DeOssie, N.Y. Giants[d]

Notes:

bold denotes player who participated in game
a Replacement selection due to injury or vacancy
b Injured player; selected but did not play
c Replacement starter; selected as reserve
d "Need player"; named by coach
e Selected but did not play because his team advanced to Super Bowl XLV
f Griffin was selected as free safety
g Vilma originally backed out of the game and was replaced by Henderson who played instead of him, but Vilma later decided to play and Henderson was inactive[5]

Number of selections per team

[edit]
AFC team Selections NFC team Selections
New England Patriots 8 Atlanta Falcons 9
Kansas City Chiefs 6 Green Bay Packers 8
Baltimore Ravens 5 Dallas Cowboys 6
Indianapolis Colts 5 New Orleans Saints 5
Miami Dolphins 4 New York Giants 5
Oakland Raiders 4 Philadelphia Eagles 5
Pittsburgh Steelers 5 Chicago Bears 4
San Diego Chargers 4 Minnesota Vikings 4
Tennessee Titans 4 Arizona Cardinals 3
Houston Texans 3 Carolina Panthers 3
Jacksonville Jaguars 3 Washington Redskins 3
New York Jets 3 Detroit Lions 2
Cleveland Browns 2 San Francisco 49ers 2
Denver Broncos 2 St. Louis Rams 1
Buffalo Bills 1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1
Cincinnati Bengals 0 Seattle Seahawks 0

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

2011 Pro Bowl

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 2011 was the National Football League's annual all-star game featuring top players from the (AFC) and (NFC) for the 2010 regular season. Held on January 30, 2011, at in , , the game marked the first time the was scheduled the week before the , a format change aimed at increasing player participation and viewership by avoiding conflicts with the championship game. The NFC defeated the AFC by a score of 55–41 in a high-scoring affair, with Washington Redskins DeAngelo earning MVP honors for his six tackles, an , and a 34-yard fumble return for a . The game showcased a blend of offensive fireworks and defensive highlights, with the NFC building a commanding 42–0 lead by halftime behind strong performances from quarterbacks like and Matt Ryan, as well as , who rushed for 80 yards and a on 14 carries. The AFC mounted a late comeback attempt led by quarterbacks and , but turnovers—including five interceptions by AFC passers—proved costly. Attendance was 49,338, reflecting ongoing challenges with popularity despite the scenic Hawaiian setting, which had hosted annually from 1980 to 2009 before a one-year relocation to in 2010. Player selection for the 2011 Pro Bowl involved fan voting accounting for one-third of the votes, along with equal input from coaches and players, resulting in rosters headlined by stars such as (the leading vote-getter with over 496,000 votes) and for the AFC, and Matt Ryan and Minnesota Vikings for the NFC. However, several invitees, including Super Bowl-bound and players, opted out due to injuries or rest, leading to replacements like Hall himself. The event, broadcast live on , highlighted the league's effort to revitalize the format amid criticisms of low intensity, setting the stage for future innovations in presentation.

Background

Return to Hawaii

The 2010 Pro Bowl was relocated from its traditional site in to Sun Life Stadium (now ) in , as an experimental move by the to schedule the game one week before the , aiming to heighten player engagement and address criticisms of low effort in the previous post- format. This change was intended to capitalize on the excitement surrounding the week while testing a new timing to revitalize the all-star event's appeal. On March 2, 2010, Commissioner announced the Pro Bowl's return to in , , for the 2011 edition, with the game again set for the week preceding on January 30, 2011. The commitment was initially for 2011 and 2012 but was later extended through 2014, reflecting the 's satisfaction with the pre-Super Bowl format and Hawaii's ongoing partnership. The decision to bring the event back was driven in part by its significant economic benefits to , a tourism-reliant state, where the Pro Bowl typically generated around $28 million in visitor spending and over $3 million in state taxes through hotel stays, dining, and related activities. The Hawaii Tourism Authority played a key role in preparations, investing approximately $4 million annually to secure the event and promote it as a draw for additional visitors, including neighbor island trips by nearly half of attendees. This influx helped offset broader economic challenges by filling off-peak hotel rooms and supporting local businesses during the winter season. Aloha Stadium, with a seating capacity of 50,000, served as the venue and had a long history as the Pro Bowl's host since its inaugural game there in 1980, accommodating 35 editions through 2016 except for the 2010 relocation and the 2015 move to . The multi-purpose facility's tropical setting and reliable infrastructure made it a staple for the event, drawing sellout crowds in most years and enhancing its status as a fan-favorite destination.

Selection Process

The selection process for the 2011 Pro Bowl relied on a consensus voting system where fans, players, and head coaches each contributed one-third of the total votes for every position on the rosters. This method ensured a balanced representation of public popularity, peer recognition, and coaching expertise in determining both starters and reserves. Fan voting commenced on October 25, 2010, and continued for nearly two months until December 20, 2010, allowing supporters to cast ballots online at NFL.com/probowl or via web-enabled mobile devices. Following the close of fan balloting, players and coaches submitted their votes on December 22 and 23, 2010, after the regular season had concluded. The combined results determined the 43-player rosters for each , comprising 21 offensive players, 17 defensive players, and 5 specialists per team. The initial rosters and alternates were revealed on December 28, 2010, during the "NFL Total Access: 2011 Selection Show" airing at 7 p.m. ET on . Among the fan-voted starters, quarterback led all players with 1,877,079 votes to secure the AFC starting quarterback spot, while quarterback earned the NFC starting role through similarly strong fan support.

AFC Roster

Offense

The AFC offense for the 2011 was composed of standout performers from the , showcasing a mix of dynamic playmakers and veteran linemen selected through fan, player, and coach voting. The group was led by starting quarterback of the , who earned his fifth Pro Bowl nod after a strong year with 4,710 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns, and a 101.8 , guiding the Chargers to the . Backing him up were of the , who threw for 4,700 yards and 33 touchdowns before a neck injury sidelined him late in the season, and of the [Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs), who stepped in as a replacement for the injured . Rivers started the game, but the AFC's offense struggled with turnovers in the 55-41 loss to the NFC. The running back corps highlighted speed and power, with starter Maurice Jones-Drew of the anchoring the group after rushing for 1,324 yards and 8 touchdowns despite a Jaguars' 8-8 finish. Joining him were of the Houston Texans, who burst onto the scene with 1,616 rushing yards and a league-high 16 touchdowns as an undrafted rookie, and of the , who added 1,467 yards and 5 scores with his explosive running style. Chris Johnson of the served as a replacement, bringing his 1,364-yard season to the mix. The fullback position went to of the Houston Texans, recognized for his blocking that helped clear paths for Foster's ground attack. Replacements ensured depth, with no major absences in the backfield.
PositionStartersReserves/Replacements
Quarterback () (), (; replaced of due to injury)
Running Back () (Houston Texans), (), Chris Johnson (; replacement)
Fullback (Houston Texans)-
Wide Receiver (Houston Texans), () (), (; of as alternate replacement)
Tight End () (), Zach Miller (; replacement)
Tackle (), Joe Thomas () (), (; replacement)
Guard (), () ()
Center () (; replaced by of and of due to )
The unit emphasized route-running precision and yards-after-catch ability, with starter leading the Texans with 1,569 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, complemented by of the Colts, whose 1,355 yards and 6 scores marked his eighth . added breakout production with 1,448 yards for the Broncos, while contributed 1,162 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Chiefs. replaced an absent player, bringing his slot receiver expertise with 86 catches for 918 yards. At , dominated with 80 receptions for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns, while provided blocking and receiving with 58 catches for 700 yards. The offensive line was a sturdy unit designed to protect the quarterbacks and support the run game, featuring tackles and Joe Thomas, who allowed minimal sacks—Long just 4 in 16 games. Guards and added interior toughness, with Dielman anchoring the Chargers' line. The center group, adjusted for absences, included Mangold's consistent snapping and pass protection, contributing to the AFC's 296 total yards in the game despite five interceptions.

Defense

The AFC defensive roster for the 2011 featured a formidable group of players selected based on their outstanding performances during the 2010 NFL regular season. Starters and reserves were chosen through a combination of fan, player, and coach voting, highlighting the conference's depth in pass rushers and coverage specialists. The defensive line was anchored by elite edge rushers of the and of the Colts as starting , both known for their speed and sack production—Freeney with 9.5 sacks and Mathis with 11.5. of the served as a key reserve , adding 8 sacks. At , of the and of the started, with Ngata recording 5 sacks and 63 tackles, and Wilfork bolstering the run defense with 49 stops. of the rounded out the interior reserves, contributing 5 sacks and veteran presence. Replacements like () filled gaps due to injuries. In the linebacker corps, James Harrison of the started outside linebacker after a 10.5-sack season, showcasing his power rushing. Terrell Suggs of the and Cameron Wake of the added edge pressure, with Suggs at 10 sacks. Inside, of the Ravens started with 46 tackles and strong leadership, joined by reserve Jerod Mayo of the with 75 tackles and 2 interceptions. Replacements like (San Diego Chargers) due to absences emphasized the unit's tackling prowess. The secondary boasted shutdown cornerbacks, with starters of the and of the , both elite coverage players—Revis allowing just a 39.8 when targeted. of the Patriots added rookie depth with 5 interceptions. However, did not play due to injury, replaced by of the . At safety, of the and of the started, combining for ball skills—Polamalu with 4 interceptions and Reed with 5 despite playing only 11 games. Reserves included Brandon Meriweather of the Patriots and replacements like Michael Griffin () and ([Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs)), with Berry's 4 interceptions adding youth to the physical unit.

Special Teams

The AFC special teams roster for the 2011 Pro Bowl included kicker of the , who earned the selection based on his strong performance in the 2010 season, converting 31 of 37 attempts for an 83.8% success rate while adding 28 extra points. Cundiff's clutch kicking, including game-winners, ranked him among the league's top performers. Punter of the was chosen for his exceptional gross punting average of 47.7 yards on 58 punts during the season, with a net average of 40.2 yards and 26 punts inside the 20-yard line. Lechler's consistency helped the Raiders maintain strong field position. Kick returner Marc Mariani of the was selected for his explosive playmaking, averaging 28.9 yards per kickoff return on 51 attempts in , including one , while also contributing on punts with a 10.2-yard average. Mariani's vision and speed made him a standout . Special teamer Montell Owens of the rounded out the unit, recognized for his coverage and tackling in 2010, where he recorded 16 special teams tackles and helped limit opponent returns. Owens' versatility supported the ' special teams efforts. Long snapper John Denney of the provided reliable snapping.

NFC Roster

Offense

The NFC offense for the 2011 Pro Bowl was composed of standout performers from the , showcasing a mix of dynamic playmakers and veteran linemen selected through fan, player, and coach voting. The group was led by starting of the , who earned his fourth Pro Bowl nod after a resurgent year that included 3,018 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, and a league-leading 1,808 rushing yards for a , revitalizing the Eagles' offense and earning him Comeback Player of the Year honors. Backing him up were Matt Ryan of the , who threw for 3,705 yards and 28 touchdowns while leading the Falcons to the NFC's best record, and of the , who topped the with 4,620 passing yards and 33 touchdowns in guiding his team to the playoffs. Vick started the game and played the first quarter, completing 5 of 10 passes for 59 yards, handing off primary duties to Brees and Ryan during the NFC's 55-41 victory. The running back corps highlighted power and versatility, with starter Michael Turner of the Atlanta Falcons anchoring the group after rushing for 1,371 yards and 12 touchdowns, powering the league's top-scoring offense. Joining him were Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings, who exploded for 1,298 yards and a league-high 13 rushing scores despite playing behind a struggling line, and Steven Jackson of the St. Louis Rams, who led the NFC with 1,241 rushing yards amid a 1-15 team season. The fullback position went to Ovie Mughelli of the Falcons, recognized for his blocking prowess in opening lanes for Turner's ground attack. No replacements were needed for the running back group, allowing all three to participate fully in the all-star showcase.
PositionStartersReserves/Replacements
QuarterbackMichael Vick (Philadelphia Eagles)Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)
Running BackMichael Turner (Atlanta Falcons)Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings), Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams)
FullbackOvie Mughelli (Atlanta Falcons)-
Wide ReceiverRoddy White (Atlanta Falcons), Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions)DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles), Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals; replaced Greg Jennings of Green Bay Packers due to Super Bowl XLV)
Tight EndJason Witten (Dallas Cowboys)Tony Gonzalez (Atlanta Falcons)
TackleJason Peters (Philadelphia Eagles; replaced by Tyson Clabo of Atlanta Falcons due to injury), Jordan Gross (Carolina Panthers)Chad Clifton (Green Bay Packers; replaced by Donald Penn of Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to Super Bowl XLV)
GuardJahri Evans (New Orleans Saints), Chris Snee (New York Giants)Carl Nicks (New Orleans Saints)
CenterAndre Gurode (Dallas Cowboys)Shaun O'Hara (New York Giants; Ryan Kalil of Carolina Panthers added as alternate)
The wide receiver unit emphasized big-play ability, with starter leading with 1,389 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, complemented by of the , whose 1,120 yards and physical presence earned him his second consecutive selection despite the Lions' 6-10 record. added speed with his league-leading 15.6 yards per catch average, while stepped in for Jennings, bringing his reliable hands after a 1,137-yard season for the Cardinals. At tight end, provided sure-handed reliability with 94 receptions for 1,002 yards—the most by a —while continued his Hall of Fame trajectory with 70 catches for 656 yards in his 14th season. The offensive line was a formidable unit designed to protect the passers and pave lanes for the rushers, featuring guards and Carl Nicks from the Saints, who anchored an offense that ranked third in scoring. of the Giants added interior strength, while the tackle group, after adjustments for injuries and the , included Gross's consistent pass protection (allowing just two sacks) and the athleticism of Clabo and Penn as replacements. Centers Gurode and O'Hara (with Kalil available) brought veteran leadership to the pivot, contributing to the NFC offense's explosive performance in the game, where they amassed 464 total yards.

Defense

The NFC defensive roster for the 2011 Pro Bowl featured a formidable group of players selected based on their outstanding performances during the 2010 . Starters and reserves were chosen through a combination of fan, player, and coach voting, highlighting the conference's depth in pass rushers and coverage specialists. The defensive line was anchored by elite edge rushers of the and of the as starting defensive ends, both renowned for their disruptive presence. Peppers, coming off a season with 10.5 sacks and 56 tackles, provided versatility in both rushing the passer and stopping the run. of the served as a key reserve defensive end, adding depth with his 11.5 sacks from 2010. At defensive tackle, of the and Jay Ratliff of the started, with Suh's rookie campaign yielding 10 sacks and earning him Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. of the and Justin Smith of the rounded out the interior reserves, contributing to run defense and pass rush.
PositionStartersReserves/Replacements
Defensive End (), () ()
Defensive Tackle (), Jay Ratliff () (), Justin Smith ()
Outside Linebacker (), Clay Matthews (; replaced by of Washington Redskins due to ) (; replaced by of due to injury), Anthony Spencer ()
Inside Linebacker (), (; replaced by of Washington Redskins) ([New Orleans Saints](/page/New Orleans_Saints))
In the linebacker corps, of the started outside linebacker after leading the with 15.5 sacks in 2010, showcasing his explosive speed off the edge. of the and of the were the starting inside linebackers, with Willis posting 128 tackles. was a reserve outside linebacker but unable to participate due to injury and was replaced by of the , who had 115 tackles that season. Reserves included Beason, Anthony Spencer of the , , and , emphasizing the NFC's strength in tackling and coverage from the second level. The secondary boasted experienced cornerbacks, with starters of the and of the , both All-Pro caliber players. Samuel intercepted six passes in 2010, while Woodson added four interceptions and 82 tackles. Reserves of the and of the provided lockdown coverage, with Williams securing seven interceptions during the season ( and Williams did not play due to ).
PositionStartersReserves/Replacements
CornerbackAsante Samuel (), Charles Woodson (; replaced due to )Brent Grimes (), Tramon Williams (; replaced due to ), DeAngelo Hall (Washington Redskins)
Strong SafetyAdrian Wilson (Arizona Cardinals)Roman Harper ()
Free SafetyNick Collins (; replaced due to )Antrel Rolle ()
At safety, of the and Adrian Wilson of the started, combining for strong ball-hawking skills—Collins with six interceptions and Wilson with 74 tackles and 3 interceptions. Reserves included of the and of the , with Harper adding physicality and two interceptions.

Special Teams

The NFC special teams roster for the 2011 Pro Bowl included kicker of the , who earned the selection based on his league-leading performance in the 2010 season, converting 32 of 38 attempts for an 84.2% success rate while adding 47 extra points. Akers' accuracy and consistency made him a standout, as he ranked first in the in field goals made and demonstrated reliability from long range, including several kicks over 50 yards. Punter Mat McBriar of the was chosen for his exceptional gross punting average of 47.9 yards on 65 punts during the season, the highest in the league, with a net average of 42.3 yards and 22 punts inside the 20-yard line. McBriar's ability to flip the field effectively highlighted his value, contributing to the ' strong field position strategy throughout the year. Kick returner of the was selected for his explosive playmaking, averaging 35.6 yards per kickoff return on 12 attempts in , including one , while also excelling on punt returns with a 17.1-yard average on 33 returns for 564 yards and three scores. Hester's speed and vision made him the premier return specialist in the NFC, often turning routine returns into big gains. Special teamer of the rounded out the unit, recognized for his coverage and blocking prowess in 2010, where he recorded 12 special teams tackles and contributed to the Falcons' top-ranked special teams efficiency. Weems' versatility helped limit opponent return yards and supported the Falcons' overall representation.

Game Summary

Broadcast and Attendance

The 2011 Pro Bowl was broadcast live on from in , , on January 30, 2011, beginning at 7:00 p.m. EST (2:00 p.m. HST). The telecast featured play-by-play announcer , color analysts and , and sideline reporters and . Pre-game and post-game studio coverage was hosted by and . The game attracted an average audience of 13.4 million viewers and earned a 7.7 household rating, representing the highest viewership and ratings for the Pro Bowl since the 1997 edition. provided national radio coverage of the event. A crowd of 49,338 fans attended the game at , falling just short of the venue's capacity of approximately 50,000. Prior to kickoff, winner performed the national anthem. The on-field officials were led by referee Tony Corrente.

Scoring Summary

The 2011 Pro Bowl concluded with the NFC defeating the AFC 55–41, tying the all-time single-team scoring record of 55 points previously set by the NFC in 2004. The NFC's defense forced five interceptions from AFC quarterbacks, leading to multiple turnovers that fueled their offensive output, including a dominant 42–0 lead before the AFC's lone first-half score. In the first quarter, the NFC struck first at 3:20 when fullback Ovie Mughelli scored on a 1-yard run, followed by kicker David Akers' extra point to make it 7–0. At 1:06, Adrian Peterson extended the lead with a 14-yard run, with Akers' good for a 14–0 advantage at the end of the period. The second quarter saw the NFC pull away further, starting at 10:49 with a 4-yard pass from Matt Ryan to Tony Gonzalez, converted by Akers for a 21–0 lead. Moments later at 10:35, cornerback returned an AFC fumble 34 yards for a , with Akers' extra point making it 28–0. Ryan connected with wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald for a 25-yard at 7:23, and Akers' pushed the score to 35–0. Steven Jackson capped the NFC's first-half barrage at 4:40 with a 21-yard run, followed by Akers' conversion for a 42–0 lead. The AFC finally scored at 2:00 on a 8-yard run by Jamaal Charles, with kicker Billy Cundiff's extra point narrowing the gap to 42–7 at halftime. The third quarter began with the AFC responding at 10:12 via a 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback to wide receiver , plus Cundiff's kick, making it 42–14. At 10:05, running back Montell Owens returned an NFC fumble 8 yards for a touchdown, with Cundiff's extra point closing the margin to 42–21. The NFC answered at 6:04 with a 41-yard field goal by Akers, extending their lead to 45–21. Rivers threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to tight end at 0:57, followed by Cundiff's kick, for a 45–28 score at the end of the quarter. In the fourth quarter, Akers connected on a 38-yard at 4:10 to make it 48–28. Linebacker intercepted a pass and returned it 49 yards for a at 3:45, with Akers' extra point increasing the lead to 55–28. The AFC mounted a late comeback, starting at 2:33 with a 7-yard pass from to Owens, plus Cundiff's kick, for 55–35. Finally, at 0:41, center caught a 40-yard pass from Cassel, but the failed, setting the final score at 55–41.

Notable Performances and MVP

, for the Washington Redskins, was named the of the 2011 after delivering a standout defensive performance for the NFC, including an interception of a pass and a 34-yard fumble return for a touchdown that contributed to the team's dominant start. The NFC defense as a whole excelled, forcing five s from AFC quarterbacks—two by , two by , and one by —which set the tone for the game and highlighted the all-star unit's turnover creation. of the added to the defensive highlights with a 49-yard return for a , further emphasizing the NFC's opportunistic play in the secondary. On offense, NFC quarterback started but completed 5 of 10 passes for 59 yards, while Matt Ryan relieved him and threw for 118 yards with two s, helping build an insurmountable lead. led the ground game with 80 rushing yards on 14 carries and a , setting a personal record with four career rushing scores. For the AFC, quarterbacks Philip Rivers and Matt Cassel combined for four passing touchdowns in a late rally. Running back Jamaal Charles scored on an 8-yard rushing touchdown, providing a bright spot in the ground attack amid the team's turnover-plagued effort. Philip Rivers led AFC passers with 192 yards and two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions, underscoring the secondary's pressure. The NFC controlled the first half, surging to a 42-0 lead behind a combination of offensive efficiency and defensive takeaways, before easing off in the second half as the AFC mounted a comeback. Kicker contributed 13 points, including two field goals and seven extra points. The game tied the record for highest score by the winning team with 55 points, matching the NFC's 2004 output, but drew criticism for its lack of competitive intensity, as players appeared to conserve energy ahead of the upcoming . The lopsided first half and seven total turnovers exemplified ongoing concerns about the event's pre- scheduling diminishing its stakes and physicality.

Selections Overview

Number of Selections per Team

The selections for the 2011 Pro Bowl were based on performances during the 2010 NFL regular season and were announced on December 28, 2010, through a combination of fan, player, and coach voting. Each conference's roster consisted of 43 players across offense, defense, and special teams, highlighting standout individual contributions from various teams. The Atlanta Falcons had the most initial selections with seven players, underscoring their strong offensive and defensive showings in 2010. The New England Patriots followed with six selections, while four teams each had five players chosen: the Baltimore Ravens (AFC), Dallas Cowboys (NFC), Philadelphia Eagles (NFC), and Green Bay Packers (NFC). Nine teams had four or more initial selections in total, with the AFC and NFC each featuring strong representation from their top performers. The distribution reflected the competitive balance of the 2010 season, where no single team dominated but several franchises earned multiple nods for key positions. Four teams were shut out with zero selections: and (AFC), and (NFC). Below is a complete breakdown of initial selections by team.
ConferenceTeamNumber of Selections
AFC6
AFC5
AFC4
AFC4
AFCHouston Texans3
AFC3
AFC3
AFC3
AFC3
AFC3
AFC2
AFC2
AFC1
AFC1
AFC0
AFC0
NFC7
NFC5
NFC5
NFC5
NFC4
NFC4
NFC4
NFC2
NFC2
NFC1
NFC1
NFCMinnesota Vikings1
NFC1
NFCWashington Redskins1
NFC0
NFC0
This table accounts for the initial selections, with several teams earning only one representative and four shut out entirely.

Replacements Due to Injuries

The participation of the and in resulted in 10 selected players being unavailable for the , necessitating replacements to fill their spots on the rosters. Specifically, six Packers—, , , Clay Matthews, , and —along with four Steelers—James Harrison, , , and —were unable to participate, as the league's policy prohibited participants from playing in the preceding . These absences, combined with injuries, led to 13 replacements announced on January 23, 2011: () for Harrison, () for Polamalu, () for Collins, Antoine Winfield (Minnesota Vikings) for Williams, () for Woodson, () for Matthews, () for Keisel, () for Jennings, () for Clifton, () for (), () for (), () for (), and () for Pouncey, who was sidelined by a postseason ankle injury sustained in the playoffs rather than solely due to the . In addition to Super Bowl-related changes, numerous injuries from the 2010 regular season forced further adjustments to the initial rosters announced on December 28, 2010. Key examples included , who underwent foot surgery for a stress fracture and was replaced by in late January. (foot), who was replaced by (), and (toe), who was replaced by Jermichael Finley (Packers). (knee) also withdrew, leading to () filling that position. participated despite his strong early-season performance contributing to his selection. The cumulative effect of these absences—due to injuries and commitments—resulted in extensive roster turnover, with replacements continuing to be named through late to maintain the traditional 43-player format per . This process ensured a full complement of participants for the January 30 game in , highlighting the league's emphasis on player health and preparation for the postseason.

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