Several Giants And Jets On Pro Bowl Rosters – No Bills

Before the 2011 NFL season began, Giants quarterback Eli Manning told Michael Kay on ESPN 1050 in New York City that he considered himself an "elite" quarterback. He drew a lot of criticism for making that comment, and many thought he had to prove his worth as an "elite" quarterback. And now, it looks like Eli may have been on to something.

When the rosters for the Pro Bowl were announced yesterday, Manning found himself and teammate Jason Pierre-Paul as the only players representing the New York Giants on the NFC squad. Eli joins Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay and Drew Brees of New Orleans as the trio of NFC quarterbacks selected to play in Honolulu.

In a statement released by the team, Eli said:

“It’s a real honor. Obviously, when you make it to the Pro Bowl it’s because your team, the offensive line, my receivers are doing a great job protecting me, getting open, making plays. Considering some of the other quarterbacks in the NFC who have had outstanding seasons, I’m really thrilled and truly honored to be named to the Pro Bowl team.”

Manning is the first Giants QB to be selected to two Pro Bowls since Phil Simms was a Pro Bowl selection in 1985 and 1993. Meanwhile, this is Jason Pierre-Paul's first Pro Bowl selection in just his second NFL season.

Here's a fact that makes Jason Pierre-Paul's selection to the roster so impressive: Pro Bowl selections are made through a voting process between fans, coaches and fellow players. However, Pierre-Paul was voted in by only coaches and players, because he was not on the Pro Bowl fan voting ballot.

As for "the other" New York team, the Jets had three players named to the AFC roster: left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, center Nick Mangold and cornerback Darrelle Revis. This is the fourth time Mangold and Revis have made the "all-star" roster, while Ferguson is on board for the third year in a row.