Pontbriand named to Pro Bowl

01.28.2008

In 2003, local and national pundits came down on the Browns for selecting a long snapper in the fifth round, 142nd overall, at the NFL draft.

As the years have passed, Ryan Pontbriand has continually quieted his critics. And after Monday, he's all but warranted his selection.

The five-year veteran out of Rice was named to the AFC roster of the 2008 Pro Bowl.

"Ryan (Pontbriand) has been amazingly consistent with his snapping ability over the years," general manager Phil Savage said. "He is considered by many to be the best in the NFL, so it is only fitting that he is receiving the recognition of being a Pro Bowler."

For a 10-question Q&A with Pontbriand on his selection to the Pro Bowl and more, click here.

Pontbriand is the AFC's "need player" for the Pro Bowl. Each year, the coaching staff for each Pro Bowl team (the Chargers staff is coaching the AFC this year) selects one player to fill a need on the roster. The player can come from any position.

Pontbriand has appeared in 75 of 80 games for the Browns during five seasons with the club, missing five contests in 2005 with a back injury. He has been nearly flawless on his approximately 350 punt, 125 extra point and 135 field goal snaps during his NFL career. He also has made 17 special teams tackles in his time as a Brown, including career-high 8 in 2006.

In 2007, Pontbriand helped Browns kicker Phil Dawson convert 26-of-30 field goals and 42-of-43 PATs to score 120 points -- the most in Browns history by a kicker. He also helped punters Dave Zastudil, Scott Player and Paul Ernster average 42.0 yards per punt with a 35.8-yard net during a season in which starting punter Zastudil battled a back injury.

Pontbriand joins kick returner Joshua Cribbs, wide receiver Braylon Edwards and left tackle Joe Thomas as the first Browns players selected to the Pro Bowl since linebacker Jamir Miller during the 2001 season ('02 Pro Bowl). The last time the Browns had at least four players named to the Pro Bowl was following the 1994 season when six Browns players went to Hawaii.

Three other Browns players remain as first alternates for the Pro Bowl: quarterback Derek Anderson, left guard Eric Steinbach and tight end Kellen Winslow.