Phillip Rivers and Eric Weddle selected to the Pro Bowl

Dec 8, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during the first half of the Chargers win over the New York Giants at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY SportsSan Diego,CA- San Diego Chargers Quarterback Phillip Rivers and Free Safety Eric Weddle have been selected to the 2013-2014 NFL Pro Bowl.

Five Chargers were also named as Pro Bowl alternates, Tight-End Antonio Gates (3rd), Center Nick Hardwick (4th), Full-Back Le’ron McClain (4th), Punter Mike Scifres (4th) and Running Back Ryan Mathews (6th).

If they get selected to alternate for a player in the Pro Bowl this would be the first appearance for Antonio Gates and Ryan Matthews since 2011. For Le’ron McClain it would be his first appearance since 2008. For Nick Hardwick it would be his first since 2006 and for Mike Scifres it would be his first appearance ever in the Pro Bowl.

This is the fifth Pro Bowl appearance for Quarterback Philip Rivers and his first since 2011. Rivers had previously
made the Pro Bowl in 2006, 2009, 2010, and 2011.

The resurgence of Philip Rivers this season under new Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy has been is a key reason why the Chargers are in the playoff hunt heading into the final week of the season.

Rivers has completed 356 of 511 passes this season for 4,249 yards with 29 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Rivers also has a completion percentage of 69.7 this season that leads all NFL Quarterbacks .

For Eric Weddle this is his second Pro Bowl appearance and his first appearance since 2011. Weddle has recorded 102 tackles on the season with a team leading two interceptions.

Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy told Chargers.com Ricky Henne how proud he was of the two players

"“Philip and Eric are both deserving representatives of our organization, as are several other players,” said Head Coach Mike McCoy. “Their play speaks for itself, and they are both great leaders and great teammates. I’m very proud they will be representing the Chargers at the Pro Bowl.”"

While Weddle and Rivers are honored and humbled to be going to the Pro Bowl again, Weddle told Chargers.com Rickey Henne he hopes that neither of them gets the chance to play in it.

"“Hopefully we’re not there,” he said. “Hopefully we’re playing the following week in the Super Bowl.”"