Gonzalez sets Pro Bowl touchdown record
The Falcons made several key contributions for the NFC team in the Pro Bowl on Sunday night, none more so than Tony Gonzalez.
The Atlanta tight end caught a 4-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter of the 55-41 NFC victory to give him a record six career scores in the Pro Bowl. He previously shared the record with Jimmy Smith and Marvin Harrison.
With Falcons head coach Mike Smith and his staff at the controls, the NFC had the upper hand from the outset, building a 42-7 halftime lead.
Gonzalez, who announced that he will come back and play next season rather than retire, might not have the record for long. Two of his NFC Pro Bowl teammates were just two touchdowns behind him.
Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson scored their fourth career Pro Bowl touchdowns in the first half.
Gonzalez was part of the Falcons' nine-player contingent at the Pro Bowl. Seven Atlanta players started the game, with quarterback Matt Ryan coming off the bench and specialist Eric Weems playing on special teams.
Here's how the Falcons performed:
- Fullback Ovie Mughelli scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 3:14 left in the first quarter to put the NFC ahead 7-0. His score capped an 11-play, 59-yard drive. Gonzalez and Roddy White caught passes from Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick in the drive.
- Ryan tossed two touchdown passes in the first half. In addition to his scoring toss to Gonzalez, he connected with Fitzgerald for a 25-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter; Ryan completed 9 of 13 passes for 118 yards and threw an interception. He was the second-half starter.
- Running back Michael Turner rushed eight times for 53 yards.
- White, who had five catches for 69 yards, also had to run down on kickoff coverage.
- Right tackle Tyson Clabo started, playing next to New Orleans guard Jahri Evans.
- Defensive end John Abraham started at right defensive end.
- Weems covered kicks and punts.
- Brent Grimes started at right cornerback and intercepted Peyton Manning in the second quarter. Grimes tipped the ball with his left hand before making the interception.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
