Minnesota defensive end Jared Allen and Detroit receiver Calvin Johnson were the leading vote-getters for The Associated Press 2011 NFL All-Pro Team, each just one vote shy of being a unanimous pick.
“That’s one of the best honors you can have other than being a Super Bowl champion,” Johnson said. “To be an All-Pro is a tremendous honor.”
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers made the team for the first time, easily beating Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, 471/2-21/2. Rodgers led Green Bay to a league-best 15-1 record this season and broke Peyton Manning’s single-season quarterback rating mark (122.5).
“I am a competitor,” Rodgers said. “I care desperately about winning and doing everything I can to contribute. But personally, speaking for my own self, you learn exactly what you need to do to be able to balance the pressure from the outside with the pressure from within, that you put on yourself to be successful.”
Johnson and Allen received 49 votes Friday from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. For the fourth straight season, no Seattle Seahawks were voted All-Pro.
Allen, meanwhile, made his fourth All-Pro team after leading the league with 22 sacks – one-half short of the record. Johnson made it for the first time after hauling in 96 catches for 16 touchdowns and a 17.5-yard average.
“The All-Pro Team to me is one of the all-time accomplishments,” said Allen, who also was selected in 2007 through 2009.
One rookie made the squad: Arizona’s Patrick Peterson was selected as the kick returner after tying an NFL mark with four punts for touchdowns, including a 99-yarder.
Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis was behind Johnson and Allen with 48 votes. Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs got 47.
One oddity: Both first-team guards, Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans, were from the Saints. That hasn’t happened since 1953, with Detroit’s Lou Creekmur and Dick Stanfel.
“I think this shows … that we are strong and physical and not just big guys” Nicks said. “We are athletic enough to pass-protect 45 to 50 times a game and keep Drew clean.”
Jacksonville’s Maurice Jones-Drew, the league’s rushing leader with 1,606 yards, was named All-Pro for the first time, as was New England’s Rob Gronkowski, who set a single-season mark for tight ends with 1,327 yards receiving.
Joining Allen on the defensive line were ends Jason Pierre-Paul of the Giants, and tackles Haloti Ngata of the Ravens and Justin Smith of the 49ers – who also placed third at DE; the 49ers used him at both spots.
The 49ers also landed placekicker David Akers and punter Andy Lee on the team, and led the All-Pro selections with five – including linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman.
EXTRA POINTS
The Raiders reached agreement with Packers director of football operations Reggie McKenzie to become their new general manager. … The Bears promoted offensive line coach Mike Tice to offensive coordinator, replacing Mike Martz. … Saints receiver Lance Moore and linebacker Jonathan Casillas will miss the playoff opener against Detroit tonight. … Broncos safety Brian Dawkins (neck) was ruled out of the first-round game against Pittsburgh on Sunday. … Packers vice president Jason Wied resigned, citing his addiction to an herbal remedy he was using to treat sleep-related health issues. He had taken indefinite leave of absence from the team in November.
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