Your 2009 AP All Pro team
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on January 14, 2010 11:01 AM ET
Pro Bowl appearances are nice, but the All Pro team is where it's at.
The list only includes the best of the best. While there will always be fodder for argument, there seem to be fewer mistakes based on reputation. (In other words, this is a Faneca-free zone.)
This year's All Pro squad, determined by 50 writers and broadcasters, was announced Thursday, with Chris Johnson being the only player to make the first team unanimously. Patrick Willis was close behind with 49 of 50 votes, while Darrelle Revis, Charles Woodson, and Shane Lechler each received 48 votes.
So here they all are.
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis.
Running Backs: Chris Johnson, Tennessee; Adrian Peterson, Minnesota.
Fullback: Leonard Weaver, Philadelphia.
Tight End: Dallas Clark, Indianapolis.
Wide Receivers: Andre Johnson, Houston; Wes Welker, New England.
Tackles: Ryan Clady, Denver; Joe Thomas, Cleveland.
Guards: Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota; Jahri Evans, New Orleans.
Center: Nick Mangold, New York Jets.
Placekicker: Nate Kaeding, San Diego.
Kick Returner: Joshua Cribbs, Cleveland.
Notes: It's Welker's first All Pro nod. It's also surprising to see him make the first team over Larry Fitzgerald. Manning, Peterson, Johnson, and Hutchinson repeated as first-teamers. Clady may have been better as a rookie than this year, but there were no obvious picks at tackle.
DEFENSE
Ends: Jared Allen, Minnesota; Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis.
Tackles: Jay Ratliff, Dallas; Kevin Williams, Minnesota.
Outside Linebackers: Elvis Dumervil, Denver; DeMarcus Ware, Dallas.
Inside Linebacker: Patrick Willis, San Francisco; Ray Lewis, Baltimore.
Cornerbacks: Charles Woodson, Green Bay; Darrelle Revis, New York Jets.
Safeties: Darren Sharper, New Orleans; Adrian Wilson, Arizona.
Punter: Shane Lechler, Oakland.
Notes: The safeties benefited from injuries to Troy Polamalu; this was Wilson's first All Pro honor. The Vikings led with four first-teamers; the Colts had three.
For space reasons, the second team is after the jump. [Editor's note: Also, every time a link is clicked, an angel gets his wings.]
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Drew Brees, New Orleans.
Running Backs: Ray Rice, Baltimore; Steven Jackson, St. Louis.
Fullback: Le'Ron McClain, Baltimore.
Tight End: Antonio Gates, San Diego.
Wide Receivers: Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis; Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona.
Tackles: Michael Roos, Tennessee; Jake Long, Miami.
Guards: Logan Mankins, New England; Kris Dielman, San Diego.
Center: Andre Gurode, Dallas.
Placekicker: David Akers, Philadelphia.
Kick Returner: DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia.
DEFENSE
Ends: Trent Cole, Philadelphia; Julius Peppers, Carolina.
Tackles: Darnell Dockett, Arizona; Haloti Ngata, Baltimore.
Outside Linebackers: Brian Cushing, Houston; LaMarr Woodley, Pittsburgh.
Inside Linebackers: David Harris, New York Jets; Jon Beason, Carolina.
Cornerbacks: Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland; Asante Samuel, Philadelphia, and Leon Hall,
Cincinnati (tie).
Safeties: Brian Dawkins, Denver; Ed Reed, Baltimore, and Nick Collins, Green Bay (tie).
Punter: Andy Lee, San Francisco, and Donnie Jones, St. Louis (tie).