Three Former Ducks Make List of 2014 Pro Bowl Players, Kiko Alonso and TJ Ward Snubbed

Dec 8, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Jairus Byrd (31) Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It was a game that should have been shelved all together after last season, but the NFL All Star game also known as the Pro Bowl was reborn with input from executives and fans. The new format, which I’ll get to in a few, includes a draft process for players that will make up two teams to faceoff at Aloha Stadium. Three former Oregon Ducks made the list of this year’s participants in the Pro Bowl.

Seattle Seahawks Center Max Unger, Buffalo Bills Safety Jairus Byrd  and Defensive Lineman Haloti Ngata. Now that the players have been chosen it is a month long wait until rosters are set. Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders will make the picks for their respective squads in a live three hour primetime event on January 22nd (5pm PT, NFL Network).

One big Pro Bowl snub was former Duck and Defensive player Kiko Alonso who finished first for his position according to the fan vote for the game, which is up just over sixteen percent from last year’s contest. Fan vote only accounts for 1/3 of what is needed for selection. Another former Duck on D T.J. Ward who plays for the Cleveland Browns is also having a solid season and was left off the list of playmakers for the game.

Yesterday Oregon Defensive Coordinator Nick Allioti announced he will retire after 24 years with the Ducks following the Alamo Bowl. Many of the Oregon players selected for the 2014 Pro Bowl played under Allioti with the Ducks.

The 2014 Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 26th at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii. (4pm PT, NBC)