Mayo, Mankins among Patriots hopefully not headed to the Pro Bowl.

Normally players that are going to be playing the Super Bowl will not play in the Pro Bowl.

So Jerod Mayo more than likely considers being named to the team an honor, but hopes that Coach Bill Belichick won't let him go to the annual NFL All Star game.

Because the thing is held on the Sunday between the Conference Championships and the Super Bowl, with the idea to fill the football void in between...and what coach or player in their right mind would take the chance to get injured in the exhibition game and not be able to play in the Biggest game of the year?

Not to mention losing focus...pay attention to the task at hand, the next game, the next opponent.

So, you'll have to excuse him and Rob Gronkowski, Logan Mankins and Vince Wilfork if they seem less than thrilled about the prospect of having to attend the Pro Bowl.  I would imagine that just being named to the team is honor enough, and most players have incentives in their contracts that give their bank accounts a nice little boost as well...

Personal accomplishments are nice, as are all-expense paid trips to Hawaii for the player and his family, but winning championships are what it's all about.

Peyton Manning was named the starter for the AFC, while Brady was named a backup.  This is the eighth overall selection for Brady, and his fourth straight.  Welker was topped by three other recievers...the seven Patriots named were second most in the AFC behind the Houston Texans' eight, with the Broncos, Ravens and Chiefs (?) finishing second with 5 each.

San Francisco had the most selections in the NFL with nine 49ers being named.

This is the eighth overall selection for Brady, and his fourth straight. For Manning, the selection is his 12th in his storied career.

So by all means, Peyton Manning, as the elder statesman you should start in the Pro Bowl.  I'm sure that the Patriots will be more than happy to give you a big send off...