Represented by five members of the team, the Green Bay Packers learned Tuesday that tackle Chad Clifton, safety Nick Collins, wide receiver Greg Jennings, linebacker Clay Matthews and cornerback Charles Woodson were named Pro Bowl selections by the National Football League. Additionally, Collins, Matthews and Woodson were named starters for the NFC squad.
The five Pro Bowl selections for the Packers are the most since they also had five in 2007, and the three defensive starters are the most for Green Bay since 1967
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and cornerback Tramon Williams were named first alternates.
For Clifton, it marks the second Pro Bowl selection of his career (2007). The 11th-year pro has started all 15 games at left tackle as part of a Green Bay offense that ranks No. 8 overall and No. 5 in passing.
It is the third straight and third career Pro Bowl selection for Collins as he becomes the first Green Bay safety since LeRoy Butler (1996-98) to earn Pro Bowl recognition in three consecutive seasons. Collins is tied for second on the team with three interceptions and is second with 14 passes defensed.
Jennings, a second-round draft choice of the Packers in 2006, earns his first career selection. He ranks No. 2 in the NFC and No. 5 in the NFL with 1,168 yards on 72 receptions (16.2 avg.), and his 12 touchdown catches match his career high. His 16.2-yard receiving average ranks No. 1 in the NFC among players with 60 catches.
Matthews earns his second career selection as he becomes the first Packer since RB John Brockington (1971-72) to earn Pro Bowl recognition in each of his first two seasons in the league. Matthews is tied for third in the NFL with 12.5 sacks and has recorded a career-high 79 tackles, two forced fumbles, an interception for a touchdown, and four passes defensed.
Woodson has earned his seventh career Pro Bowl bid and third straight as a member of the Packers. He has registered career highs in tackles (97) and forced fumbles (five). The five forced fumbles are the most by a Packer defender since LB/DE Keith McKenzie posted five in 1999. The 13th-year pro also has two interceptions, one for a touchdown, a sack and 10 passes defensed.
Other alternates include wide receiver Donald Driver, linebacker A.J. Hawk, nose tackle B.J. Raji and guard Josh Sitton.
