Maurkice Pouncey named to third Pro Bowl

Pittsburgh Steelers center and three-year veteran Maurkice Pouncey was named Wednesday to his third-straight Pro Bowl, becoming the first center in NFL history to receive the honor in each of his first three seasons.

The former Florida Gators star has been selected every year he has been in the league. He did not play in the 2011 Pro Bowl due to being on a Super Bowl team but started in the 2012 Pro Bowl. He will also start the 2013 game after receiving the most fan votes at center for the AFC.

Pouncey is the 20th former Florida player to be picked for the Pro Bowl; his nomination in 2010 made him the fifth to receive the honor in his rookie season (Cris Collinsworth, Jevon Kearse, Emmitt Smith, Percy Harvin). Former Gators have received 58 total nominations to the game and have been honored with a selection to the Pro Bowl in 36 of the 43 years it has existed.

Harvin was named to the 2010 Pro Bowl following the 2009 season, making it four consecutive years that a former Florida player has been recognized. He likely would have made this year’s event had he not injured his ankle in the middle of the season.

A player many believe has been snubbed from the Pro Bowl is Miami Dolphins C Mike Pouncey. Analysts believe he had the better season of the two brothers.

The 2013 Pro Bowl is set for Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, HI.

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