+3
Arian Foster is making his second straight appearance, while long-time veterans Johnathan Joseph, Antonio Smith and Chris Myers are playing in Hawaii for the first time.
When the Houston Texans signed Jonathan Joseph as an unrestricted free agent (from the Cincinnati Bengals) just prior to training camp, who knew that they would've signed their first Texans defensive back to earn a trip to the Pro Bowl since Aaron Glenn in 2002.
Joseph helped solidify a defensive unit that finished No. 2 in the NFL, and more specifically a secondary that had been devoid of a superstar caliber talent. In 2011, only one wide receiver topped 100 receiving yds versus Joseph, which was Baltimore Ravens wideout Anquan Boldin in week 6. Just one other receiver this season was able to register more than 80 yards receiving, Carolina's Steve Smith back in week 15.
Could it be vindication for Joseph versus Steve Smith in the Pro Bowl? The two will get a chance to square off against one another as Smith made the NFC squad for the 5th time.
For more on the Houston Texans be sure to check out Battle Red Blog. For more NFL news and analysis head on over to SB Nation's NFL Football hub.
The Houston Texans will be well represented in the 2012 Pro Bowl that takes place on Sunday, January 29 with a 6 p.m. CT kickoff.
Running back Arian Foster was elected to the team but will not be playing in the game due to an injury and was replaced on the roster by Denver running back Willis McGahee. In addition to Foster, the Texans are sending a trio of first-time Pro Bowlers in defensive back Johnathan Joseph, center Chris Myers and defensive end Antonio Smith.
Myers and Smith were named as replacements for Pittsburgh's Maurkice Pouncey and New England's Andre Carter. Joseph was elected to his first Pro Bowl after finishing the regular season with 44 tackles and four interceptions.
Game date/time: Sunday, January 29, 6 p.m. CT
Location: Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii
TV: NBC
For more on the Houston Texans be sure to check out Battle Red Blog. For more NFL news and analysis head on over to SB Nation's NFL Football hub.
In a sign of how far the Houston Texans have come as an organization, they have four representatives on the AFC roster in the 2012 Pro Bowl despite the absence of perennial Pro Bowlers Mario Williams and Andre Johnson, who missed most of the 2011 season due to injury.
It's the second highest number in franchise history, behind the five they had in 2010. None of those five -- Williams, Johnson, QB Matt Schaub, LB's DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing -- made the team in 2012 despite still being on the Texans roster, an indication of how much talent Houston has when healthy.
Instead, three first-time Pro Bowlers, CB Johnathan Joseph, DE Antonio Smith and C Chris Myers, as well as RB Arian Foster, making his second straight appearance, will be representing the Texans in Hawaii.
Joseph, a lock-down corner instrumental in Houston's defensive resurgence under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, had 44 tackles and 4 INT's this season.
Smith, an eighth-year veteran out of Oklahoma State, helped fill the void caused by Williams' absence, recording 25 tackles and 6.5 sacks this year.
Myers was one of the key figures who helped pave holes for Foster, who ran for 1,224 yards and 10 TD's on 4.4 yards per carry despite defenses stacking the line of scrimmage with Schaub and Johnson out.
The Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday Jan. 29 and broadcast nationally on NBC at 6:00 PM.
For the latest news and notes on the Texans off-season, head over to Battle Red Blog.
OpenCalais - Powered by Thomson Reuters
•
Odds Shark 
Images by eflon used in background images under a Creative Commons license. Thank you.
2012 Pro Bowl: Johnathan Joseph Picked Off Cam Newton
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph made his first ever Pro Bowl appearance in his six-year career and in the All-Star game Joseph was able to intercept one of the three that Carolina Panthers rookie Cam Newton threw. Joseph picked off Newton at the AFC 10-yard line and returned the ball 26 yards to the 36. Joseph also had two tackles in the game.
Joseph's Pro Bowl appearance was the first by a Texans defensive back since Aaron Glenn made the team back in 2002.
For more on the Houston Texans be sure to check out Battle Red Blog. For more NFL news and analysis head on over to SB Nation's NFL Football hub.
Jan 29 10:51p by Jeremy Mauss