Ex-Trojans to play in Pro Bowl game Sunday
The NFL Pro Bowl is scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m., and USC Alumni will once again take the field. Three Trojans were selected to be part of the this year’s roster.
Front and center · Linebacker Clay Matthews (47) was a force his senior season in 2008. In his three NFL seasons, he has 29.5 sacks. - Daily Trojan file photo
Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews, Carolina center Ryan Kalil and Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu have been selected to compete among the elite.
Matthews and Kalil are set to start for the NFC, where they hope to beat the AFC for the second year in a row.
This season Matthews had 50 tackles, three forced fumbles and three interceptions that were key in the Packers’ success during the regular season. This is Matthews’ second Pro Bowl appearance. In 2010, he was the first Packers rookie to make it to the Pro Bowl since wide receiver James Lofton in 1978.
Kalil is making his third Pro Bowl appearance. His work in Carolina has been the centerpiece in the Panthers’ offensive line protecting their rookie quarterback Cam Newton. Both players are sure to display their talents Sunday.
Unfortunately, because of a calf injury, Polamalu will not start Sunday’s game against the NFC. Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins is set to take his place, according to NFL.com.
This is Polamalu’s seventh Pro Bowl and sixth start. This season Polamalu racked up 91 tackles and two interceptions.