Broncos have league-high 9 players selected for Pro Bowl

NEW YORK – The AFC West champion Denver Broncos led the NFL with nine players selected for the Pro Bowl on Tuesday.

Quarterback Peyton Manning was picked for the 14th time. Joining Manning from the Broncos will be Ryan Clady, Chris Harris, Von Miller, Aqib Talib, Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, T.J. Ward and DeMarcus Ware. Denver also led the league with five defensive players selected.

The NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys were second with six selections for the Jan. 25 game in Glendale, Arizona, site of the Super Bowl.

Tony Romo will be going for the fourth time. Dez Bryant, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, DeMarco Murray and Tyron Smith were also honored.

Dallas led the NFL with six offensive players chosen.

Other notable players selected included Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks New England’s Tom Brady (10th selection), Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers (fourth), and Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger (third).

Among the players earning first selections are wide receivers T.Y. Hilton of the Colts and Jordy Nelson of the Packers; Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell; and Eagles special teams star Darren Sproles.

The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks were one of six teams with five players. Among the players not selected were Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, Packers running back Eddie Lacy and Giants rookie receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who has 1,120 yards.

For the second consecutive season, players will be selected without regard to conference in voting by fans, coaches and players.

Hall of Famers Cris Carter and Michael Irvin will serve as alumni team captains for their Pro Bowl teams.