HONOLULU --
The National Football Conference edged out the American Football Conference, 23-17, Sunday, in the 2006 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. This gave the
NFC its second Pro Bowl victory in the last six years.
More than 49,000 fans shook the stadium as these two powerhouses, jam-packed with All-Stars, clashed in what turned out to be a game highlighted by defensive play.
Both offenses recorded a combined total of six interceptions. AFC quarterback Peyton Manning, of the Indianapolis Colts, led the way for both teams in this category with three - all of which were thrown in the first half. He did, however, manage to throw one touchdown pass to Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chris Chambers in the first quarter to improve his record for most touchdowns thrown in Pro Bowl games to 12.
NFC cornerback Nathan Vasher, of the Chicago Bears, was the first to pick off a Manning pass. Vasher, in his first Pro Bowl appearance said he thought his team did what they needed to do to pull out the win.
"We did a good job, even though we had turnovers," said the second-year NFL player out of the University of Texas. "We all had the expectation to go in and win the game, and we did."
Vasher said he's enjoying his week in Hawaii.
"I got another day to relax before I go back to Chicago," said Vasher. "This was a great end to the season, and it gives me motivation going into next season."
Defense continued to dominate in the second half when NFC linebacker Derrick Brooks of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers robbed a pass from AFC quarterback Trent Green of the Kansas City Chiefs and returned it 59 yards for a touchdown. This put the NFC in the lead 17-10. Brooks, in his ninth straight Pro Bowl game, took home top honors as the game's Most Valuable Player. The award earned him a brand new Cadillac for his efforts, which was presented to him after the game.
Turnovers were not the only thing present last Sunday. Military involvement was also abundant during the game and its corresponding festivities. The Leap Frogs, the Navy Seals' parachute team, revved up the atmosphere when they jumped out of a plane high above Aloha Stadium before landing safely on the field. Also present in military form were Marines and Sailors from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. They were recognized for their participation in helping set-up halftime props.
Among the volunteers was Kevin Fischer, a Marine from K-Bay, who came out to lend a helping hand. According to Fischer, seeing all the military involvement let him know that what he does for our country does not go unnoticed.
"All the military involvement lets us know that they appreciate what we do," said Fisher.
AFC strong safety Troy Palamalu of the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers had some things to say about military support during events like the Pro Bowl.
"You see it in every game, and I think that's important," said the soft-spoken Palamalu.
"It's just a blessing being out here -- especially coming off the Super Bowl," he added.
Palamalu forced one of the game's nine fumbles when he hit NFC running back Tiki Barber of the New York Giants early in the game. All the turnovers during the game made it look somewhat unorganized, according to Mark Cato, another K-Bay Marine who volunteered to work the event.
"It was pretty sloppy, but you can expect that because the players don't have much time to practice together," said Cato.
NFC running back Warrick Dunn of the Atlanta Falcons had something similar to say about the overall play quality of the game.
"It is an All-Star game, but it's not going to be perfect," said the nine-year veteran. "But, we made enough plays to win."
Warrick rushed for 12 yards on seven attempts during his third Pro Bowl appearance.
According to Cato, it's obviously not all about who wins or loses, but something of much more value.
"This is a privilege for people in Hawaii to come out and see the players they idolized during the regular season."