Seven Bears make NFC Pro Bowl team

NEW YORK, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Seven Chicago Bears, including record-setting return specialist Devin Hester, were selected as starters for the NFC team's Pro Bowl team.

Hester is among three Bears' specialists to make the team. Also tabbed were kicker Robbie Gould and special team member Brendon Ayanbadejo. Three members of the Chicago defense -- linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Biggs and lineman Tommie Harris -- were also chosen as was center Olin Kruetz.

Dallas quarterback Tony Romo was among 13 first-time Pro Bowl selections but he will be the backup to New Orleans' Drew Brees.

Other offensive starters include San Francisco running back Frank Gore, wide receiver Torry Holt, of St. Louis, and Steve Smith, of Carolina.

Defensive starters for the NFC include Carolina's Julius Peppers, Tampa Bay cornerback Ronde Barber, whose brother Tiki, of the New York Giants, is a reserve running back, and Philadelphia's Brian Dawkins.

The NFC will meet representatives from the AFC in the NFL's Pro Bowl game Feb. 10 in Honolulu. The Pro Bowl series is tied 18-18.