Cribbs, Thomas chosen to Pro Bowl

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Josh Cribbs is making another big return — to the Pro Bowl.

Cribbs, who earlier this season became the NFL’s career leader in kickoff returns for touchdown, was named to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday along with Browns left tackle Joe Thomas, a starter for the third consecutive year.

Cribbs was named a Pro Bowl alternate last season after making his first trip to the NFL’s all-star event following his 2007 breakout season.

The multitalented Cribbs, seeking a new contract from the Browns, may have increased his value with the selection.

Two weeks ago, Cribbs had 100- and 103-yard touchdown returns at Kansas City to become the league’s most prolific kick returner.

Thomas has had another solid season for the Browns, who have turned to their running game during a current three-game winning streak.

Cleveland has rushed for more than 160 yards in the past three games, its most productive stretch on the ground since 1978.

Steelers

PITTSBURGH — Steelers linebacker James Harrison has been chosen as an AFC Pro Bowl starter for the third consecutive season.

Nose tackle Casey Hampton is the only other Steelers player on the AFC team.

This is the fifth time in six seasons Hampton has been chosen.

Harrison, last season’s NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was selected even though teammate LaMarr Woodley has 111‚Ñ2 sacks to Harrison’s 10.

Harrison doesn’t have a sack in five games, but does have five forced fumbles.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is the first player in team history to throw for 4,000 yards in a season, but he was beaten out by the Colts’ Peyton Manning, the Patriots’ Tom Brady and the Chargers’ Philip Rivers.

NFL

NEW YORK — Brett Favre is among eight Minnesota Vikings selected to the Pro Bowl, while Manning is one of six Indianapolis Colts on the AFC squad.

It will be Favre’s 11th Pro Bowl and the 10th for Manning. No other quarterbacks have been to 10 all-star games.

Tennessee running back Chris Johnson, the league’s leading rusher, also is on the AFC team, along with NFL receptions leader Wes Welker of New England.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, the league’s top scorer among non-kickers, will be in the NFC backfield, where New Orleans’ Drew Brees, the NFL’s top-rated passer, is the starting quarterback.

The Pro Bowl will be played Jan. 31, one week before the Super Bowl, in Miami.

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