The made-for-TV NFL Network special has released the names of the 2016 Pro Bowl players. Not included in the list was Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones, who was looking to make his first trip to the league's annual all-star game. Dolphins center Mike Pouncey will be making his third straight appearance in the game, however. The game this year will be held back in Honolulu, Hawaii's Aloha Stadium.
Pouncey has not had the dominating year at center that he had two seasons ago, but he has not been bad. He is dealing with a foot injury that could still land him on injured reserve, but the team did not make that move this morning. Pouncey was a Pro Bowl selection in 2013 at center and last year at guard. Pouncey is the third center in Dolphins history to make multiple trips to the Pro Bowl at the position, joining Hall of Fame players Jim Langer and Dwight Stephenson.
"This is a great honor and something I couldn't have accomplished without all of our guys on the offensive line," said Pouncey. "I'm proud to represent our room in Hawaii. I'd like to thank Coach Campbell, Coach Benton and Coach Bicknell, as well as all of the fans who supported me."
Jones is currently tied for sixth in the league in interceptions and is tied for the league lead in interception returns for a touchdown. He is fifth in the league in tackles, with 14 more tackles than any other safety in the league. He finished the fan voting in fourth place at the strong safety position, which was a dramatic increase from the ninth place position he held when the first update tot he voting was released. He did not, however, receive the votes needed from the players and coaches to push him into the game.
Other Dolphins who could have been considered for the all-star selection include defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, punter Matt Darr, and wide receiver/returner Jarvis Landry.
This year's Pro Bowl is the third year in which the league has used the "unconferenced" Pro Bowl, where the players are elected to the game without regard for whether they play in the AFC or NFC. The players will then be "drafted" to teams captained by either Jerry Rice or Michael Irvin, with the "fantasy draft" taking place on January 27. The Pro Bowl itself will be played on January 31. Both the draft and the game will be live on ESPN.