Oakland Raiders’ fourth year tight end Zach Miller will join his teammates, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, defensive tackle Richard Seymour, and punter Shane Lechler, as the fourth member of the Raiders on the active roster for the AFC squad at the 2011 Pro Bowl on January 30 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Miller was added to the Pro Bowl roster today after San Diego Chargers’ tight end, Antonio Gates, withdrew from the contest. Gates was placed on IR in December with a foot injury.
This is Miller’s first trip to the NFL’s all-star game. He will join Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Mercedes Lewis who will be the starter for the game.
“I’m excited and I can’t wait to get to Hawaii. It feels great, finally people are starting to notice,” Miller said. “I’m enjoying that and I’m excited about this opportunity. I just want to keep improving my game so I can go to the Pro Bowl every year.”
Miller has led the Raiders in receiving in each of the last three seasons including this year with his 60 receptions for 685 yards and career-high five touchdowns. Miller played in 15 of the Raiders’ 16 games this year, missing one due to a foot injury he battled all year called plantar fasciitis. He figures to be an even bigger contributor next season in his second year in head coach Hue Jackson’s offensive system.
In addition to Miller, Raiders halfback Darren McFadden, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, and kicker Sebastian Janikowski are all alternates for the game as well and could be called upon if the starters in their respective positions cannot attend.
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