49ers Lead The Pro Bowl Pack With 9 Players Nominated

Despite a week of negative news, and of course, a loss against the division-rival Seahawks, the 49ers received some good news on Wednesday when nine of their players (NFL-high) were named to the pro bowl.

Dec 23, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) carries the ball during the 2nd half against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Seven of the nine were named as starters, and San Francisco has a bundle of alternatives that were selected as well. So, in case you are a little rusty crunching numbers, nine of the 49ers’ 22 starters were named to the Pro Bowl, which equates to 41 percent.

Here’s the complete list: Frank Gore (Not starter), Joe Staley, Mike Iupati, Justin Smith, Aldon Smith, NaVorro Bowman (Not starter), Patrick Willis, Dashon Goldson, and Donte Whitner.

Notes:

• Patrick Willis is the first player in franchise history to be named a Pro Bowler in each of his first six seasons.
• The 49ers’ five defensive Pro Bowl selections is a franchise record.
• Their seven starters matches a franchise record that was set last year.
• Their nine Pro Bowlers matches last year’s total, but could make it ten if long-snapper Brian Jennings makes it again.

Alternatives: 

G Alex Boone
OLB Ahmad Brooks
T Anthony Davis
TE Vernon Davis
C Jonathan Goodwin
P Andy Lee
CB Carlos Rogers
ST C.J. Spillman

Notable Snubs:

Andy Lee

Michael Crabtree