DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander, who described to NFL Films how he reads the line as a play develops yesterday after the NFC's practice at the Ihilani Resort, is participating in his first Pro Bowl.
Breaking Through
Shaun Alexander is no longer
an alternate after finally
making the Pro Bowl
Busting through the line for a big gain has never been a problem for Shaun Alexander.
Breaking into the NFL's annual all-star shindig in Hawaii proved just a little bit tougher.
The Seattle Seahawks running back ran for nearly 2,500 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2001 and 2002 combined, setting league and team records along the way. But both years he was the last back left behind while others made the trip over for the Pro Bowl.
And after posting a career high in rushing yards this season, Alexander was again on the alternate list.
Through it all, the affable back has maintained a sense of humor about the situation. And when an injury opened a spot for him, the previous close calls heightened his appreciation of the opportunity to play in Sunday's game at Aloha Stadium.
"Being first alternate for three years is kind of hilarious," Alexander said before the NFC's workout yesterday at the Ihilani Resort and Spa. "So to actually get here and be around the guys and be on this beautiful island is just awesome."
Alexander is among 40 players making their first Pro Bowl appearances this year. His invitation to the game is the icing on a sweet season on and off the field for the former Alabama standout.
Alexander ran for a career-high 1,435 yards in his fourth NFL season. He finished third in the league with 16 total touchdowns as the Seahawks went 10-6 and earned their first playoff berth since 1999.
Alexander and his wife, Valerie, also celebrated the birth of their daughter, Heaven, on Sept. 21. After witnessing the birth, Alexander arrived at Seahawks Stadium for the start of the second quarter of a game with the St. Louis Rams. He rushed for 58 yards on 14 carries in the 24-23 victory.
"It's been an amazing year," he said. "From the baby being born, the Hawks going 3-0 to start the season, going 8-0 at home, getting to the playoffs and making the Pro Bowl, it's really sweet."
"(Heaven) played on the beach for the first time. Well, she can't walk yet, so I dipped her in the sand a little bit. That was really cool."
Alexander would have been watching Sunday's game at home had New Orleans back Deuce McAllister not dropped out due to a knee injury. Alexander will share time in the NFC backfield with Green and Carolina's Stephen Davis, both of whom are participating in their third Pro Bowls.
"Everyone always told me it's hard to get in and once you get in you've got a great chance to be in it for a long time," Alexander said. "Hopefully that's what will happen."
Perhaps not coincidentally, two Seattle offensive linemen are also here for the game. Tackle Walter Jones is in his fourth Pro Bowl, while guard Steve Hutchinson is making his first trip.
"There's a lot of great backs in the NFC and all you have to do is get your foot in," Jones said of Alexander's Pro Bowl push. "Once you get your foot in you can do some things, you've got a chance to come over here and experience this. Now you know what to push for next season because you want to be a part of it every year."
Alexander has been among the NFL's most productive backs the last three seasons. He ran for 1,318 yards and 14 touchdowns in his breakout season in 2001. He then set a franchise record with 16 TDs in 2002, five coming in the first half of a record-breaking performance against Minnesota.
He also wowed another crowd in June of that year, speaking before 68,000 at a Billy Graham Crusade in Cincinnati.
For Alexander, sharing his faith in front of the large gathering was no more nerve-wracking than carrying the ball in a packed stadium.
"Crowds really don't bother me," he said. "If you're doing something that you're blessed with the talent to do, then why be nervous about it.
"I know I've been blessed to do that, that's one of my gifts. That's just one of those things where you just do it because that's what you were made to do."
Rounding out the Seattle contingent on the NFC roster are quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and special-teams player Alex Bannister. Jones, the only Seattle representative with previous Pro Bowl experience, had some simple advice for his teammates.
"Just enjoy it," he said. "It's a great feeling to be out here and be amongst some of the best guys in the NFL.
"It's a great thing to have on your resume. Besides the Super Bowl, this is one of the great honors to have."
Pro Bowl events
TODAY
NFC practice at Aloha Stadium, 10 a.m.Pro Bowl Football Festival at Kapiolani Park, free, noon-6 p.m.
NFL Military Challenge at Kapiolani Park, 3-4:30 p.m.
Pro Bowl Block Party and Fireworks Show at Aloha Tower Marketplace, free, 6 p.m.-midnight.
TOMORROW
AFC and NFC practice at Aloha Stadium, 9 a.m.Pro Football Festival and Fan Appreciation Day at Kapiolani Park, free, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunset at the Beach Pro Bowl Style, at Queen's Beach, Waikiki, 6 p.m.
25th Anniversary Pro Bowl Concert and Party at Waikiki Shell, featuring K.C. and the Sunshine Band, 7 p.m. Tickets available at the Blaisdell Box Office.
SUNDAY
Official NFL Tailgate Party at Richardson Field, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers.Pregame festivities begin at Aloha Stadium, 1:45 p.m.
Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium, 2:30 p.m.
