Peyton Manning unanimous All- Pro choice; Seahawks Sherman and Thomas also named
NEW YORK — Peyton Manning has responded to a lost season the way he reacted to all of his great seasons. By having more great seasons. Manning was the only unanimous choice for the 2013 Associated Press NFL All- Pro team Friday. It was his seventh time as a first- teamer, tying Hall of Famer Otto Graham for the most by a quarterback.
The Denver star set NFL records this season with 55 touchdown passes and 5,477 yards through the air.
He was chosen on all 50 ballots from media members who regularly cover the NFL. Manning also was an All- Pro for Indianapolis in 2003, ‘ 04, ‘ 05, ‘ 08 and ‘ 09 and last season made it as a Bronco.
He’s been on the All- Pro team in both seasons since missing 2011 after several neck surgeries.
“I think it’s well documented that this is the second chapter of my career, and didn’t know what to expect off that injury and new team, new players and new physical state after an injury,” said Manning.
New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham and Indianapolis outside linebacker Robert Mathis each drew 49 votes. Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy and Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman had 48.
Minnesota kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson was the only rookie on the squad.
Eighteen NFC players and nine from the AFC made the team. Carolina and Philadelphia each had three: linebacker Luke Kuechly, centre Ryan Kalil and fullback Mike Tolbert for the Panthers; NFL rushing leader McCoy, guard Evan Mathis and tackle Jason Peters for the coach Chip Kelly’s Eagles.
Joining Manning from the Broncos was guard Louis Vasquez. Joining Sherman from the Seahawks was safety Earl Thomas.
Rounding out the offence were receivers Calvin Johnson of Detroit and Josh Gordon of Cleveland; running back Jamaal Charles of Kansas City; and tackle Joe Thomas of Cleveland.
Other All- Pros on defence were ends J. J. Watt of Houston and Robert Quinn of St. Louis; tackles Gerald McCoy of Tampa Bay and Ndamukong Suh of Detroit; outside linebacker Lavonte David of Tampa Bay; inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman of San Francisco; cornerback Patrick Peterson of Arizona; and safety Eric Berry of Kansas City.
The special teamers were Patterson, kicker Justin Tucker of Baltimore and punter Johnny Hekker of St. Louis.