Two members of the New York Giants were announced as Pro Bowl selections on Tuesday. One of them wasn't even on the ballot.
It will mark the second Pro Bowl for Giants quarterback Eli Manning, but it might be the first selection for second-year defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul that's most impressive. Pierre-Paul wasn't even listed on the fan ballot, a list which is submitted by the teams.
Pierre-Paul garnered enough votes from players and coaches -- who can vote for any player on the active roster and each count as one-third of total voting -- to join Vikings defensive end Jared Allen and Eagles defensive end Jason Babin on the NFC roster.
"It means a lot," Pierre-Paul said. "I don't really understand the whole Pro Bowl thing, but it means a lot. It means I'm doing good."
Pierre-Paul has started 11 of the Giants' 15 games and recorded 15.5 sacks, fourth in the NFL. He has at least a half-sack in 11 games and multiple sacks in five games.
Pierre-Paul was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his dominant performance in the Giants’ 37-34 victory in Dallas on Dec. 11. He led the team with eight tackles (six solo), including two sacks (one for a safety), a forced fumble, and a block of Dan Bailey’s 47-yard field-goal attempt with one second left that would have sent the game into overtime.
Even if he doesn't completely understand the whole Pro Bowl thing, Pierre-Paul has been rewarded for his breakout season.
Wide receiver Victor Cruz and guard Chris Snee are second alternates for the NFC, according to the Giants.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.