INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -Reggie Wayne may always get overlooked playing next to Marvin Harrison. At least now, he knows he's part of the Pro Bowl club.
Wayne, Harrison and two-time MVP Peyton Manning were among five Indianapolis Colts named to the AFC squad Tuesday, four fewer than conference-leading San Diego and two fewer than the NFC's best team, Chicago. The Bears and Chargers are both 12-2.
The Colts thought Wayne had Pro Bowl-worthy stats each of the last two years, though he was bypassed in the voting by coaches, players and fans.
This time, they were pleasantly surprised.
``I really didn't think he would make it, not that he didn't deserve it,'' Colts coach Tony Dungy said. ``But it's a tough perception to overcome, that your No. 2 receiver is better than 28 other receivers in the league.''
Manning, making his seventh appearance in nine years, got the start over San Diego's Philip Rivers, who spent his first two NFL seasons backing up Drew Brees. The former Charger signed with New Orleans as a free agent in the offseason and will start for the NFC on Feb. 10 in Honolulu.
Joining Rivers as part of the Chargers' group is linebacker Shawne Merriman, last year's defensive rookie of the year who made it despite missing four games after flunking a steroid test, and record-setting running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
Tomlinson has already broken the NFL's single-season record for touchdowns and scoring.
Cincinnati's Carson Palmer is the AFC's other quarterback.
The Bears' contingent is representative of how they've won this season: With defense and special teams.
Three players from each unit, including rookie kick returner Devin Hester and perennial Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher, are both headed to Hawaii along with center Olin Kreutz, the Bears only offensive player on the roster.
Hester has already broken the NFL record for touchdown returns by scoring on three punts, two kickoffs and a missed field goal.
Returning to the NFC team are the Barber twins - running back Tiki of the New York Giants and Ronde of Tampa Bay. The first twins to make it together, they now become the second set of brothers to make the Pro Bowl three straight times, joining Shannon and Sterling Sharpe who did it from 1993-95.
``With this being my final season in the NFL and the final time my brother Ronde and I will be teammates, the honor carries even more significance than in previous years,'' said Tiki Barber, who described himself as ``emotional'' and ecstatic.''
Scattered among the usual cast of players - Harrison and Manning, Kansas City tight end Tony Gonzalez, Philadelphia safety Brian Dawkins and Minnesota guard Steve Hutchinson - are newcomers like Wayne.
Dungy remained skeptical that the Colts could put two receivers on the roster, and Wayne was also uncertain after back-to-back seasons with more than 75 receptions and 1,000 yards proved not enough.
This year, after signing a $39 million contract in February, he ranks among the NFL's top 10 in catches (77), yards (1,213) and touchdown receptions (nine).
``I'm about to enjoy this win tonight,'' he said after Monday's 34-16 victory. ``Whatever happens tomorrow, happens tomorrow.''
Harrison made it for the eighth straight time, tying a franchise record shared by Hall-of-Famers John Unitas and Jim Parker. But he, like Wayne, will back up the two Johnsons who are starting - Chad of Cincinnati and Andre of Houston.
The position with the most repeaters is traditionally the offensive line.
Guard Will Shields of Kansas City will go for the 12th time, tying a mark held by former Viking Randall McDaniel, also a guard. Another guard, Pittsburgh's Alan Faneca, will represent the AFC for the sixth straight time.
Backing up Brees for the NFC will be St. Louis' Marc Bulger and Dallas' Tony Romo, who sparked the Cowboys' late-season resurgence with a 6-2 record since replacing Drew Bledsoe.
When his potential selection to the Pro Bowl came up after his fourth start, coach Bill Parcells called it ``ludicrous.''
In a year of outstanding rookies, Hester was the only one to make it, although Tennessee quarterback Vince Young is an alternate.
Rivers doesn't have much more experience, but now leads the league's biggest Pro Bowl contingent.
``I'm very proud of our team and players,'' said Chargers general manager A.J. Smith. ``We have a special group of players. These individuals are being recognized, but this is also a positive reflection on their teammates and the overall strength and depth of the entire roster.''
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