FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots weren’t exactly bowled over with excitement Wednesday when discussing an upcoming invitation to Hawaii.
They were honored, happy and humbled, for sure, but the Pats' half-dozen Pro Bowl invitees chose to keep things in perspective. While they relished the selection, they know the only way they'll be going to the Pro Bowl is if they aren’t heading to the Super Bowl.
"It's nice," left guard Logan Mankins said. "That’s not why we play the game to make Pro Bowls. We play to win games. If it happens, it happens. You're happy about it."
It sounds like the players found out Tuesday when head coach Bill Belichick called them with a congratulatory message.
"I'm excited," linebacker Jerod Mayo said. "It's my first one. It's a great honor."
Quarterback Tom Brady earned his sixth Pro Bowl selection, while Mankins and defensive lineman Vince Wilfork received their third nod. Mayo and cornerback Devin McCourty received their first selections, with McCourty being the fourth rookie in franchise history to earn an invite. Safety Brandon Meriweather earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl berth.
"I'm just excited," McCourty said. "As a kid, you dream about playing in the Pro Bowl, watching all those great players. When I found out I was selected to play, I was excited."
