Alshon Jeffery Headed to Pro Bowl

Jan. 9, 2014

Former South Carolina Gamecock and current Chicago Bear wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is headed to the NFL Pro Bowl, it was announced today.

Originally selected as an alternate following a breakout season, Jeffery was named to replace Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, who will be unable to play due to an injury.

Jeffery caught a career-high seven touchdown passes for the Bears in 2013. He ranked sixth in the NFL among receivers with 1,421 yards, the second most in franchise history, and was 10th with 89 receptions, the sixth most ever by a Bears player.

“I’m extremely blessed and thankful for the opportunity to play in the Pro Bowl,” Jeffery said. “I want to thank coach [Mike] Groh, coach [Marc] Trestman and the rest of my teammates for putting me in a position to succeed this season. Thanks to all the fans for all of the support this season and I’m looking forward to playing with Brandon [Marshall] and Matt [Forte] in Hawaii.

“Just being from where I came from to where I am now, what I’m doing, it’s just special to be part of the success we’re having as a team. Finally, I want to thank my Mama and my family. I’m going to continue to make you all proud.”

A 2012 second-round draft pick from South Carolina, Jeffery recorded the two most prolific receiving games in Bears history in 2013 with 249 yards against the Vikings and 218 yards versus the Saints. The previous single-game record of 214 yards by Harlon Hill had stood since 1954.

Jeffery, who played three seasons for Carolina from 2009-11, holds the school records for receiving yards in a career (3,042) and 100-yard receiving games (12), and is tied with Sidney Rice for the most touchdown receptions in a career (23). He also holds the single-season records for receiving yards (1,517) and receptions (88). He is second in career receptions with 183, trailing only Kenny McKinley (207).