OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) - San Diego Chargers running back
LaDainian Tomlinson withdrew from the Pro Bowl on Wednesday, paving
the way for Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee to receive
his first appearance in the game.
McGahee, a second alternate, earned a trip to Hawaii because
Tomlinson has a sprained knee. McGahee missed Baltimore's
regular-season finale with broken ribs but has sufficiently
recovered and is eager to be part of the AFC squad.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be going to the Pro Bowl,
especially when your peers have a say in the matter," McGahee said
in a statement. "It is a goal that I have had for a long time, and
I am going to enjoy every second of this. To be going with three
other Ravens is also special. They always told me the first Pro
Bowl is always the most special. I can't wait to share this with my
teammates."
Linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed were also selected to
play in the Pro Bowl; offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden has pulled
out.
In his first season with Baltimore, McGahee finished eighth in
the NFL with 1,207 yards rushing on a career-high 294 carries. He
also ranked third on the Ravens with 43 receptions (for 231 yards
and a touchdown). He scored eight TDs.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)