Texans, Lechler are Pro Bowl Bound

Two Houston Texans and greater Houston-area athlete Shane Lechler were named to the 2009 Pro Bowl roster this afternoon.

Andre Johnson, now a three-time Pro Bowl selection, will get the start at wide receiver for the AFC squad. Johnson leads all NFL receivers in catches (103) and receiving yards (1,408 ).

Mario Williams makes his first appearance and start for the AFC squad. Williams, the Texans' number one overall pick in 2006, ranks fifth in the AFC with 11 sacks. He also has 38 solo tackles and four forced fumbles to his credit.

Shane Lechler, who hails from East Bernard which is just an hour south of Houston, makes his fourth Pro Bowl appearance, all with the Oakland Raiders. Lechler currently leads the AFC in punting (48.8) and net average (41.3). His 46.7 career punt average ranks highest in NFL history with a minimum of 250 career punts.

Lechler told Raiders.com, “I’m excited to have the opportunity to represent the team (Raiders) in Hawaii again. I’m glad I’m going to have some company over there with Nnamdi (Asomugha) being selected."

The Pro Bowl will be played Sunday, Feb. 9, 2009 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Flickr photo: The Brit_2