From John Fischer,
Your Guide to Philadelphia / South Jersey.
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Nine Philadelphia Eagles have been selected for the NFL Pro Bowl to be held on February 13, 2005 in Honolulu, Hawaii. No NFL team had more players chosen in a vote determined by an equal voice of coaches, players and NFL fans.

Three of the nine Eagles will be making their first appearances in the Pro Bowl while the other six have appeared previously. As thrilling and interesting as the names of the Eagles chosen may be, the players left off of the Pro Bowl roster is equally as interesting and in at least two cases disturbing.

The 2004 Eagles chosen for the NFL Pro Bowl are:

• David Akers - Kicker - 3rd Pro Bowl
• Brian Dawkins - Free Safety - 4th Pro Bowl
• Michael Lewis - Strong Safety - 1st Pro Bowl
• Donovan McNabb - Quarterback - 5th Pro Bowl
• Terrell Owens - Wide Receiver - 5th Pro Bowl
• Ike Reese - Special Teams/Linebacker - 1st Pro Bowl
• Lito Sheppard - Corner Back - 1st Pro Bowl
• Tra Thomas - Offensive Tackle - 3rd Pro Bowl
• Jeremiah Trotter - Linebacker - 3rd Pro Bowl

This has to be especially exciting news for the first time Pro Bowl selections. It also is a great tribute to linebacker Jeremiah Trotter who was released by the Washington Redskins prior to the 2004 season and who signed with the Eagles as a reserve and special teams player. It was not until November 15 that he was named the starter at middle linebacker. Trotter is unsigned for next season and one immediately remembers the last time he went to the Pro Bowl as a potential free agent and was unable to reach a contract agreement with the Eagles. One has to wonder whether the Eagles will be willing and able to sign Trotter to a long-term deal now that they must appreciate his value at middle linebacker.

Several deserving Eagles were left off the Pro Bowl roster, namely running back Brian Westbrook who many NFL commentators and writers have favorably compared to a young Marshall Faulk and who has had a superb season as a combination back and receiver. Also left off the roster is defensive end Jevon Kearse who has led the Eagles defense all season and wrecked havoc in the backfields of opposing teams. Less surprising is the omission of Sheldon Brown who has had a season as equally excellent as fellow cornerback Lito Sheppard, who was chosen.

The one individual who remains hopeful that he will not be making the trip to Honolulu is Eagles head coach Andy Reid. He has served as head coach of the NFC Pro Bowl squad for the last three years - an honor that goes to the coach of the team that loses the NFC Championship Game.