December 22, 2005
NFL Europe
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Brian Moorman will be going to the Pro Bowl for the first time. (Getty Images)
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Three former NFL Europe stars have been selected to the squads for the
2006 Pro Bowl, with a pair of Berlin Thunder players in the AFC roster
joining a World Bowl-winning quarterback for the NFC.
Brian Waters (Berlin 1999) and Brian Moorman (Berlin 2000-2001) are both
former Thunder players who will be making the trip to Hawaii.
Punter Moorman is the only Bill heading for the Pro Bowl, and leads the
AFC in gross average with a team-record 45.54 average.
"It's a great honor and well deserving," coach Mike Mularkey said about
Moorman's selection. "The stats never factor in the weather conditions
he has to work in and it never seems to bother him. He's almost built
for it the way he's impacted field position, not just this year but last
year, too."
Chiefs guard Waters is heading for his second Pro Bowl in as many years,
one of three Kansas City offensive linemen to make the All Star roster.
The Chiefs also send tight end Tony Gonzalez, and one of the
beneficiaries of their outstanding blocking – third-year running back
Larry Johnson.
Waters is part of a team that ranks second in the NFL in total offense,
averaging 379.6 yards per game and fourth in rushing yards per game
(145.4). Waters started every game at center for the Berlin Thunder in
2000.
Last season The North Texas alum became the first undrafted guard to
make the Pro Bowl since Nate Newton did it following the ‘98 season.
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Jake Delhomme is another first time Pro Bowl selection. (Getty Images)
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Only one player with NFL Europe experience made the NFC roster, but it
was at a key position. Carolina’s Jake Delhomme (Amsterdam / Frankfurt
1997/1998) makes his first trip to a Pro Bowl.
The former World Bowl winning Galaxy player has led his Panthers to a
10-4 record and top spot in the NFC South. Delhomme has thrown for
almost 3000 yards after 14 games, and has a 20-15 touchdown to
interception ratio.
He has been the beneficiary of a great season from wide receiver Steve
Smith – also an NFC Pro Bowl selection – who leads the league in
receiving yards with 1414.
"I was pretty much shocked," Delhomme said of his selection. "It's
something I don't think about and never imagined. I was pretty much
surprised when Foxy called out my name. I just told Smitty thanks for
letting me ride on those coat tails."
The Panthers can clinch the division title this weekend with a victory
over Dallas combined with a Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss.
