For the second consecutive season, Browns long snapper Ryan Pontbriand earned a spot in the Pro Bowl as the AFC's need player.
A fifth-round pick out of Rice in 2003, Pontbriand helped kicker Phil Dawson set a Browns' single-season record with 30 field goals in '08, surpassing Matt Stover's 29 in 1995. Dawson also hit a career-long 56-yard field goal for the game-winner at Buffalo. Punter Dave Zastudil, a seven-year veteran, recorded career bests in average (45.5) and net average (39.4).
"This is the ultimate recognition of performance for a position that receives so few accolades," Pontbriand said in a statement. "I'm extremely excited to spend some time in Hawaii with my teammates, my wife Nicole, and my brand new daughter, Avery."
The Browns will also be represented in the Feb. 8 game in Honolulu by defensive tackle Shaun Rogers and left tackle Joe Thomas. Joshua Cribbs remains first alternate at two spots, return specialist and special teams utility player.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
It is nice when a selfless guy like Ryan gets this recognition playing a position that never gets any attention. Congratulations Ryan. Put a fire under some of your teamates for next season. The rule should be that anybody who doesn't give 110 percent gets sat on by big baby, kicked by phil, tackled by joe, squeezed by ryan or dive-bombed by josh. Go browns
So far , so good with the moves that Coach Mangini has made so far.Now I'm wondering what kind of moves he's going to make in the Free Agency market.There's alot of good talent out there this year up for graps.If he can get Mr.Lerner to open up his check book.Plus we have Draft coming up here in a few weeks and there's of talent to be had there as well.But it's going to take alot of money to get us what our team needs.He could save some money if he could find someone to take Braylon Edwards.That guy is a head case and he played a big part in us loosing some of those games last year.But only time will tell and I hope this up coming season will be better than the last.Go Browns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That guy is a head case and he played a big part in us loosing some of those games last year.But only time will tell and I hope this up coming season will be better than the last.Go Browns!