Six Seahawks named to Pro Bowl game

Led by quarterback Russell Wilson, the Seahawks had six players named Friday to the 2014 Pro Bowl, which for the first time will be with players selected without regard to conference in voting by fans, coaches and players.

Joining Wilson on offense are RB Marshawn Lynch and C Max Unger. Three members of the defense’s Legion of Boom — CB Richard Sherman and safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas — made the top defenders.

The Seahawks also had three alternates – kicker Steven Hauschka, tackle Russell Okung and punt returner Golden Tate.

“It’s a great honor, I guess, to be recognized like that,” Sherman told Seahawks.com. “But it’s more a testament to your teammates and everything we were able to do as a defense. We’re No. 1 in so many statistical categories, so that just shows how good a year we’re having as a team and as a defense and as an offense.

“That’s reflected in how many people we have in the Pro Bowl. So it’s a great honor for the team.”

The Pro Bowl selection was the first for Sherman, who last year made the more exclusive All-Pro team. Thomas and Lynch have made the past two Pro Bowls, Unger and Wilson made it last year and Chancellor made in 2011.

The six selections tied last year’s total for second most in Seahawks history. The 1984 and 2005 teams had seven each.

The first Pro Bowl Draft will be nationally televised during a live three-hour prime-time broadcast on NFL Network at 5 p.m. PT Jan. 22.  Pro Football Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders will serve as alumni team captains for their respective squads.

The game in Honolulu is at 4 p.m. PT Jan. 26 on NBC.

Offense

Quarterback: Tom Brady, Patriots; Drew Brees, Saints; Peyton Manning, Broncos; Cam Newton, Panthers; Philip Rivers, Chargers; Russell Wilson, Seahawks.

Wide receiver: Antonio Brown, Steelers; Dez Bryant, Cowboys; Josh Gordon, Browns; A.J. Green, Bengals; Andre Johnson, Texans; Calvin Johnson, Lions; Brandon Marshall, Bears; Demaryius Thomas, Broncos.

Tackle: Branden Albert, Chiefs; Jason Peters, Eagles; Tyron Smith, Cowboys; Joe Staley, 49ers; Joe Thomas, Browns; Trent Williams, Redskins.

Guard: Jahri Evans, Saints; Ben Grubbs, Saints; Mike Iupati, 49ers; Logan Mankins, Patriots; Louis Vasquez, Broncos; Marshal Yanda, Ravens.

Center: Ryan Kalil, Panthers; Alex Mack, Browns; Mike Pouncey, Dolphins; Max Unger, Seahawks.

Tight end: Jordan Cameron, Browns; Vernon Davis, 49ers; Jimmy Graham, Saints; Julius Thomas, Broncos.

Running back: Jamaal Charles, Chiefs; Matt Forte, Bears; Frank Gore, 49ers; Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks; LeSean McCoy, Eagles; Adrian Peterson, Vikings.

Fullback: Marcel Reece, Raiders; Mike Tolbert, Panthers.

Defense

Defensive end: Greg Hardy, Panthers; Cameron Jordan, Saints; Robert Quinn, Rams; Cameron Wake, Dolphins; J.J. Watt, Texans; Mario Williams, Bills.

Interior lineman: Gerald McCoy, Buccaneers; Haloti Ngata, Ravens; Dontari Poe, Chiefs; Justin Smith, 49ers; Ndamukong Suh, Lions; Kyle Williams, Bills.

Outside linebacker: John Abraham, Cardinals; Ahmad Brooks, 49ers; Tamba Hali, Chiefs; Justin Houston, Chiefs; Robert Mathis, Colts; Terrell Suggs, Ravens.

Inside/middle linebacker: NaVorro Bowman, 49ers; Vontaze Burfict, Bengals; Luke Kuechly, Panthers; Patrick Willis, 49ers.

Cornerback: Brandon Flowers, Chiefs; Brent Grimes, Dolphins; Joe Haden, Browns; Patrick Peterson, Cardinals; Darrelle Revis, Buccaneers; Richard Sherman, Seahawks; Aqib Talib, Patriots; Alterraun Verner, Titans.

Free safety: Jairus Byrd, Bills; Earl Thomas, Seahawks; Eric Weddle, Chargers.

Strong safety: Eric Berry, Chiefs; Kam Chancellor, Seahawks; Troy Polamalu, Steelers.

Special Teams

Punter: Brandon Fields, Dolphins; Johnny Hekker, Rams.

Placekicker: Matt Prater, Broncos; Justin Tucker, Ravens.

Punt returner: Antonio Brown, Steelers; Dexter McCluster, Chiefs.

Special teamer: Justin Bethel, Cardinals; Matthew Slater, Patriots.