Although he’s the youngest player in the Pro Bowl, Arizona Cardinals cornerback/kick returner Patrick Peterson has avoided the rookie treatment during his stay on Oahu.
"Nah, everybody’s been pretty cool right now," Peterson said. "So I’m keeping my fingers crossed."
Perhaps it’s because the 21-year-old played well beyond his years in his first season out of LSU.
Peterson declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year, was selected with the fifth overall pick and promptly led the league in punt returns with 699 yards in a spectacular rookie season.
He averaged 15.9 yards a return and took four back for touchdowns, including a 99-yard game-winner in overtime against the St. Louis Rams on. Nov. 6.
He also posted 64 total tackles with two interceptions from his cornerback spot.
Peterson is one of six rookies in Sunday’s game.
"That was one of my goals," said Peterson, who modeled his game after NFC teammate Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers. "All year I wanted to be here with all these guys. It’s truly a blessing to be here."
Kubiak takes a trip back
Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak‘s appearance on the Aloha Stadium sideline Sunday will be his first since his days as a Texas A&M quarterback.
Kubiak played in the 1983 Hula Bowl to close his senior year with the Aggies.
"It’ll be my first time back in there," Kubiak said. "I’m looking forward to it. It’s good to be back."
His return is a product of a landmark season for the Texans, who won the AFC South title and earned their first playoff appearance.
"We had a good year and took some big steps forward for the organization for the first time and we’ve got a good young team," Kubiak said. "So the future’s very bright; that’s what makes it very exciting."
Ratliff’s fan club growing
Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff may have set the record for youngest fan at the Pro Bowl.
Jeremiah Ratliff was born three weeks ago, and made the trip with the rest of the family from Dallas for Sunday’s game.
Ratliff, a fourth-time Pro Bowl selection, exchanged hugs and kisses with father Ottie, mother Diane, wife Beatrice, daughters Christina and Bella, and, of course, Jeremiah, before taking the field for practice Friday.
"Having the whole family together here is great," Ratliff said. "It’s all about that."
Wishes come true at Ihilani
Thirteen youngsters from around the country and their families attended Friday’s practices at the Ihilani Resort courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and mingled with the all-stars after both sessions.
"It’s amazing," said Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s Director of Community Affairs. "They’re so excited and so shy when they first come, and then once we tell them, ‘OK go get autographs and get photos,’ it’s a mad dash to their favorite guys and it’s very sweet."
Isaacson said the Pro Bowl is a popular request for the foundation because of the event’s relatively relaxed atmosphere and the accessibility to the players.
Today’s practices will be held at Aloha Stadium as the feature of the Pro Bowl’s Ohana Day. The AFC practices at 9 a.m., with the NFC to follow at 10.
Game on TV
NFL officials said Sunday’s game will be shown locally because most of the Aloha Stadium seats have been sold for the game. This year, NBC is handling the nationally televised broadcast.
