The 2013 Pro Bowl roster has a heavy Texans presence on the offensive line, as three Houston linemen were selected to the NFL's annual all-star game on Wednesday.
After making his first trip to Hawaii last January, center Chris Myers got an encore nod. He's joined on the AFC roster by left tackle Duane Brown and left guard Wade Smith, both of whom are making their Pro Bowl debuts. The trio has helped pave the way for seven 100-yard rushing performances in 2012. The Texans rank third in the AFC and seventh in the NFL with 2,021 rushing yards (134.7 per game).
Brown found out he made the Pro Bowl in a text mesage from Texans head coach Gary Kubiak on Wednesday afternoon.
"It's awesome, man," Brown said, smiling. "I'm at a loss for words. I really respect my job, respect my craft and I work at it daily. To get to this level means a lot to me."
Seeing Brown, Smith and Myers get recognized also was special to John Benton, the Texans' offensive line coach since 2006.
"I've been around them a while, and those guys are definitely deserving," Benton said. "They put in the work, they put in the effort and show up week in and week out. I couldn't be happier for them."
Smith, who joined the Texans as a free agent before the 2010 season, heads to Hawaii for the first time in his 10-year career.
"It's an awesome feeling to get recognized by your peers, coaches, fan voting," Smith said. "Even better is the simple fact that I'm going with Duane and Chris."
Myers was especially pleased to the Texans' two veteran starters to his left earn Pro Bowl recognition.
"I think it's a testament to their character," Myers said. "Wade's been a long-time starter in this league, and for him to get that honor, I'm really happy for him."
Myers was glad to see that Brown is beginning to reap the rewards of his steady, stellar play.
"I think he's made a big case for himself the past couple of years, and I think finally, he got recognized this year with the final honor," Myers said. "I'm real happy to be able to go with them."
Benton stressed that the consistency of the three Pro Bowlers is the key to their success.
"That's the name of all three of their games," Benton said. "They show up and are positive and competitive each and every week."
The game will be played in Honolulu's Aloha Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013.
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