Tempe, AZ -– Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett has been selected to represent the NFC in the 2008 Pro Bowl in place of injured Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee). Dockett was originally chosen as a first alternate and will now be appearing in his first career Pro Bowl. He joins teammate Larry Fitzgerald as Cardinals representatives in the game.
Dockett led the Cardinals and all NFL interior defensive linemen with a career high nine sacks in 2007. He had three multi-sack games this season after entering 2007 with none and more than doubled his single season career high of 3.5 sacks (2004). The nine sacks are the most by a Cardinals defensive tackle since Mark Smith had nine sacks in 1998. Dockett also led all Cardinals defensive lineman with a career-high 75 tackles (tied for fourth on the team-Terrence Holt). He also forced two fumbles, collected two fumble recoveries and had 14 quarterback hits while starting in all 16 games.
Dockett becomes the sixth defensive tackle in franchise history going to the Pro Bowl and the first since Eric Swann in 1996. He joins Swann (1995-96), Leo Brooks (1976), Bob Rowe (1968), Sam Silas (1965), and Chuck Walker (1966).
With Dockett joining Fitzgerald in Hawaii, it marks the first time since 1995-97 that multiple Cardinals have been selected to the Pro Bowl in three consecutive seasons. Wide receiver Anquan Boldin and strong safety Adrian Wilson were selected to the Pro Bowl last season and Fitzgerald and kicker Neil Rackers were selected in 2005. Aeneas Williams, Swann, Larry Centers and Jeff Feagles went in 1995. Williams, Lomas Brown, Centers, and Swann were selected in 1996 and Rob Moore and Williams went in 1997.
The 2008 Pro Bowl will be played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu on Sunday, February 10 and will be televised by FOX.
