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Bucs' Barber, Joseph Headed To Honolulu

Tribune photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Davin Joseph is the Bucs' first offensive lineman to play in the Pro Bowl since center Jeff Christy and guard Randall McDaniel.

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By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 14, 2009

TAMPA - The Bucs were expected to play past December, and even though that did not happen, three players now have that opportunity.

Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber and right guard Davin Joseph were selected as first alternates for this year's Pro Bowl in Honolulu. Barber will replace Green Bay's Charles Woodson, while Joseph is stepping in for the Cowboys' Leonard Davis.

Meanwhile, Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks, who was named to the NFC squad for the 11th time, won't play because of hamstring and rib injuries. The Seahawks' Julian Peterson will make the trip to Honolulu instead.

This will mark Barber's fifth Pro Bowl appearance and Joseph's first. They will join rookie kick returner Clifton Smith, who was originally selected to the team.

"It is heck of a honor, and I am thrilled," Joseph said. "Being a player, the ultimate goal is to win games, get to the playoffs and win a championship. And certainly a big goal of mine is to win a Super Bowl, but one of the things that I had hoped to accomplish through all my hard work and determination to win a championship was to make it to a Pro Bowl."

Joseph broke his foot early this season and played in 12 games. He is the Bucs' first offensive lineman to play in the Pro Bowl since center Jeff Christy and guard Randall McDaniel were chosen following the 2000 season. Joseph and McDaniel are the only guards in team history to be named to the Pro Bowl.

Barber led the Bucs with 100 tackles and 16 passes defended this season. He had four interceptions, and his consecutive games played streak was extended to 176, including 151 starts, the most in the NFL among cornerbacks.

"Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to be on some great teams, and my selection to the Pro Bowl is further evidence of that," Barber said. "It is a great honor to represent the Buccaneers and the NFC in Hawaii. Another Pro Bowl experience is one I really look forward to enjoying."

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425.

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