Unlike the team he plays for, Eli Manning had an excellent 2015 season. And now, because Ben Roethlisberger is hurt, Manning gets an all-expense paid trip to Hawaii.
Manning is headed to the Pro Bowl. He was an alternate in the voting, but a quarterback was needed to replace Roethlisberger, who has a right shoulder injury. Manning was next on the list. It is his fourth Pro Bowl selection and the third time he will play in the game — he was busy following the 2011 season guiding the Giants to the Super Bowl.
The move doubles the number of Giants in the game, as Manning joins his top receiver, Odell Beckham Jr., who on Friday was named one of four Pro Bowl captains, along with Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald, Bengals defensive lineman Geno Atkins and Falcons running back Devonta Freeman. The captains will help determine rosters for Team [Michael] Irvin and Team [Jerry] Rice. Perhaps Beckham will have some sway and get Manning on his team.
In addition to a week in Hawaii, Manning and Beckham earn some pocket change. Players on the winning team get $58,000, compared with $29,000 for those on the losing team.
Manning previously was chosen for the Pro Bowl in 2008, 2011 and 2012. He set franchise records in 2015 with 618 pass attempts and 387 completions and established career highs in touchdown passes (35) and passer rating (93.6). He threw only 14 interceptions.
The Pro Bowl is Jan. 31 at Honolulu’s Aloha Stadium.