Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis was named a starter to the AFC Pro Bowl squad today and will represent the team in the game to be played on February 10 in Honolulu.
Mathis is the only Jaguar named to this year's Pro Bowl team. He ranks third in the NFL with a team-record seven interceptions. He ranks fifth on the team with 63 tackles and first with 15 passes defensed. This is his first Pro Bowl recognition and he is the first Jaguars cornerback to be voted to the Pro Bowl.
"First off, I would like to thank this organization and my teammates, especially my defense playing as well as we have this year," said Mathis. "All around the board, it's too bad that there aren't too many more of our guys that are on this Pro Bowl ballot. I would like to thank them first for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills. It's been a blessing. It's been a great road to this point and hopefully it makes me strive harder to make a couple more."
Mathis is in his fourth season in Jacksonville after being selected in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft out of Bethune-Cookman. The Jacksonville native has started 62 consecutive games to begin his career, which is the longest active streak on the team, and holds the franchise record with 19 interceptions.
"In a way, it's more than you can ever imagine, but when you see the hard work and effort that has been put into it, and the opportunities that I have had, I can say it's been destined as well. There are a lot of things that have to happen to get to this point and I recognize that. I'm blessed that I am here," said Mathis.
Mathis is the seventh defensive player in team history to be voted to the Pro Bowl and his selection marks the fourth consecutive season the Jaguars have had a defensive player in the Pro Bowl. Mathis is the sixth Jaguar drafted by the team to make the Pro Bowl. He is one of the four current Jaguars that has made the Pro Bowl in Jacksonville, joining Marcus Stroud, John Henderson and Chris Hanson.
