Dec 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a 67 yard pass reception with Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) defending during the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Alshon Jeffery was considered one of the biggest snubs of the most recent Pro Bowl selection. That wrong has been righted, as Jeffery will be making the trip to Hawaii in place of Calvin Johnson, who is pulling out of the game with an injury. In his usual manner, Jeffery was humble and thankful:
"“Just being from where I came from to where I am now, what I’m doing…it’s just special to be part of the success we’re having as a team,” Jeffery said. “I want to thank my Mama and my family. I’m going to continue to make you all proud.”“I’m extremely blessed and thankful for the opportunity to play in the Pro Bowl. I want to thank (wide receivers) Coach (Mike) Groh, (Head) Coach (Marc) Trestman and the rest of my teammates for putting me in a position to succeed this season,” Jeffery added. “Thanks to all the fans for all of the support this season and I’m looking forward to playing with Brandon and Matt in Hawaii.”"
Jeffery burst on the scene after an up and down, injury shortened rookie season. Twice during the course of the season, he broke the Bears’ single-game receiving yards record while amassing 89 catches for 1421 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Jeffery will join teammates Brandon Marshall and Matt Forte, but due to the new non-conference teams which will be selected on January 22nd on NFL Network, could be playing against them. The Pro Bowl will be held on January 26th, between the Championship Weekend and the Super Bowl, and broadcast on NBC.
This is the first time three offensive players will represent the Chicago Bears in the Pro Bowl since Jay Hilgenberg, Mark Bortz and Neal Anderson did it in 1990.