KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs continue to send players to the Pro Bowl in Honolulu.
Inside linebacker Derrick Johnson has been added to Pro Bowl roster, the Chiefs announced on Twitter.
Congrats to #Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson who has been added to the Pro Bowl roster to replace injured #49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman
— Kansas City Chiefs (@KCChiefs) January 20, 2014
He replaces San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman, who suffered a knee injury during his team’s Sunday night playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
A few hours after the Chiefs announced the addition of Johnson, quarterback Alex Smith was selected to replace New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Johnson and Smith brings the total number of players from Kansas City in the Pro Bowl to 10.
Oct 13, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Monday’s move marks Johnson’s third straight trip to the Pro Bowl, and a first for Smith
In 2013, Johnson recorded 107 tackles (95 solo), 4.5 sacks, which tied a career high, and two interceptions. The ninth-year pro out of Texas has produced four straight seasons with 100-plus total tackles.
Smith established a career-high in pass attempts (308) and completions (509) the past season and threw for 3,313 yards and 23 touchdowns against seven interceptions, leading the Chiefs to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth.
Joining Smith and Johnson in Honolulu are running back Jamaal Charles, left tackle Branden Albert, safety Eric Berry, outside linebackers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston, defensive tackle Dontari Poe, cornerback Brandon Flowers and punt returner Dexter McCluster.
Charles, who was recently named a Pro Bowl captain along with Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and St. Louis defensive end Robert Quinn, will participate in draft-style selection process of the 88 players named to the Pro Bowl.
Charles pairs with Watt, while Brees and Quinn pair to help Pro Football Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders select the squads in a draft scheduled to air nationally Jan. 21-22 on the NFL Network.
The time slot for Tuesday’s draft is 8-9 p.m. ET, and Wednesday’s draft airs 8-11 p.m. ET.
The NFL’s all-star game is scheduled to air Sunday, Jan. 26 live from Hawaii on NBC at 7 p.m. ET.
The Chiefs are set to be represented in Honolulu with a league-high six defensive players.
