2012 Pro Bowl Final Score: AFC Defeats NFC In Shootout, 59-41

Sunday's NFL Pro Bowl got a little nuts at times -- there were onside kicks, laterals on interception returns, huge pass plays, and Drew Brees tried to kick an extra point -- and the game was tight for much of the afternoon, but the AFC eventually pulled away for a 69-41 win over the NFC.

Related: Charles Tillman Happy To Make First Pro Bowl

Wide receiver Brandon Marshall took home MVP honors after catching six passes for 177 yards and four touchdowns. He was the only AFC receiver to crack the century mark. Steve Smith, Tony Gonzalez and Larry Fitzgerald had over 100 receiving yards each for the NFC.

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte wasn't given much of a role in the NFC's attack; he finished with two carries for six yards and one reception for four yards. Cornerback Charles Tillman finished with a couple of tackles and also recovered an onside kick.

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2012 NFL Pro Bowl: Bears DE Julius Peppers Added To NFC Roster

Despite representing the NFC in the 2012 Super Bowl, the New York Giants only had two players selected to the conference's roster for the 2012 Pro Bowl. One was QB Eli Manning, and the other was DE Jason Pierre-Paul, who will now be replaced by Chicago Bears DE Julius Peppers, thanks to the Giants having to tend to more important matters in Indianapolis.

Matt Forte Injury: Is Chicago Bears' RB Risking Millions By Playing In 2012 Pro Bowl?

The latest in the contract sage for Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte is puzzling CSN Chicago analyst John Mullin. According to Mullin, forte plans to play in the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl, a move that could potentially damage his chances to sign a long-term deal with the Bears if he re-injures his knee.

According to Mullin, Forte understands the unpredictability of injuries, but does not seem to grasp the gravity of his situation:

"I can get injured walking out the door," Forte said as players left for the offseason. "The Pro Bowl, it’s my first time making it. I want to go out there and be on the field. I can’t worry about injuries all the time."

The difference now, however, is that he is playing without a contract.

Call it love of the game. Or call it...

Crazy? Bears head coach Lovie Smith doesn't think so. He in fact lauds the choice, saying:

"If Matt wants to play in the Pro Bowl, I’m all for him playing in the Pro Bowl," coach Lovie Smith said.

The 2012 NFL Pro Bowl, held annually in Honolulu, Hawaii, will take place Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012.

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Matt Forte Injury Update: Bears Running Back Cleared To Participate In 2012 Pro Bowl

Matt Forte underwent a team-administered physical and his injured knee checked out okay, so the Chicago Bears running back has been cleared to play in the 2012 Pro Bowl. A few weeks ago, Forte said he would play in the game if he were medically cleared to do so, and brushed aside the worry that he risks further injury.

"I can get injured walking out the door, so the Pro Bowl, it's my first time making it, I want to be on the field," Forte said on Jan. 2. "So you can't worry about injuries all the time."

It's hard to blame Forte for wanting to participate in his first Pro Bowl opportunity, though there is sure to be some anxiety within the Bears organization on game day.

Read more: 2012 NFL Pro Bowl: Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher Ruled Out

The Pro Bowl takes place on Jan. 29.

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2012 NFL Pro Bowl: Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher Ruled Out

Although five Bears were elected to the Pro Bowl to be played in Hawaii on January 29th, it appears only two may actually play in the game.

On Monday linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs were officially ruled out of the NFL’s annual all star game.

Urlacher was injured in the season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. The Bears star sprained his MCL breaking up a pass in the end zone. Replacing Urlacher for the NFC will be London Fletcher of the Washington Redskins.

Lance Briggs missed no time this season, but had been hobbled by an ankle injury the last few games and that is probably the reason he is not playing in the game. Briggs will be replaced on the roster by Chad Greenway of the Minnesota Vikings.

Matt Forte who missed the final few weeks with an injury is still hoping to make the trip and play in the Pro Bowl.

Charles Tillman and Corey Graham are both expected to play in Hawaii.

Brian Urlacher Injury Update: Chicago Bears LB To Miss Pro Bowl

Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher told reporters on Tuesday that he will not be playing in this year's Pro Bowl, which occurs on Jan. 29. The star defender was voted onto the team by fans, but he's still recovering from a tough knee injury that he sustained in Chicago's final game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings.

Surgery will not be necessary on Urlacher's left knee after injuring his MCL and PCL during Week 17, but he isn't going to push himself to play any earlier than he should. The injury usually takes about 10 weeks to heal, but he told ESPN's "The Waddle & Silvy Show" that he's optimistic about his rehab:

Once I get the rehab done and get this thing back to where it was before, there will be no worries in my mind, and I don't think it will take 10 weeks. I feel like I heal up pretty quick. I'll do exactly what they tell me to do, but I don't think it will take that long.

Urlacher is still one of the most important players on Chicago despite his advancing age, and the 33-year-old continues to be one of the best linebackers in the entire NFL. Having him at full strength will be key for the Bears going into next season.

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Matt Forte Injury Update: Bears RB Intends To Play In Pro Bowl

According to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times, the top running back for the Chicago Bears hopes to play in the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl. Jensen reports RB Matt Forte will undergo a physical in the coming weeks and hopes to head to Hawaii in January.

Forte left the Bears' Week 12 game against the Kansas City Chiefs with a Grade 2 MCL Sprain, but was unable to return to the Bears before the season ended. The fourth-year pro out of Tulane ran for only 997 yards and 3 TDs in the 2011 season, but managed a career-best 4.9 yards per carry.

The Chicago running back is an unrestricted free agent after the 2011 season, but the Bears are expected to aply the franchise tag to Forte if they cannot complete an extension.

Be sure to stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago and Windy City Gridiron, SB Nation's Chicago Bears Blog, for the latest updates on Forte and the Bears. For more news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

2011 NFL Pro Bowl: Cutler And Hester Among Bears Pro Bowl Alternates

The Bears not only have five players named to this years Pro Bowl with Charles Tillman, Corey Graham, Matt Forte, Lance Briggs, and Brian Urlacher making the squad, they also have several alternates.

Six other Bears with a chance to make the January 29th trip to Hawaii are Devin Hester, Roberto Garza, Robbie Gould, Henry Melton, Jay Cutler, and Julius Peppers.

If history is any indication, expect a few of these players to get added to the Pro Bowl roster. Depending on who makes the Super Bowl and who is banged up, many of those named to the initial roster remove themselves from the team.

Jay Cutler and Matt Forte are unlikely to play because of injury, and it wouldn't be a complete surprise if Brian Urlacher decided to not make the trip either because his knee is banged up.

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2011 NFL Pro Bowl: Charles Tillman Happy To Make First Pro Bowl

Christmas might have been three days ago, but for Bears veteran cornerback Charles Tillman it was yeterday. The Bears nine year veteran found out yesterday he made his very first pro bowl.

Tillman may have had better statistical seasons in the past, but is so happy to be heading to the pro bowl as he told the Chicago Tribune on Wednesday.

"It happened at the right time," Tillman said Wednesday at Halas Hall. He was able to share the good news with his parents and in-laws who were in town for the holidays. "There obviously were other corners who were doing bigger and better things than me in years past," Tillman said. "That’s why I wasn’t able to go, I suppose. But everything happens for a reason. They called me this year, I got in, so I’m grateful for the honor."

Peanut is one of five Bears named to this years pro bowl. Joining Tillmas will be Matt Forte, Corey Graham, Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher.

Here is a link to the full rosters for both conferences.

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2011 NFL Pro Bowl: Bears' KR/PR Devin Hester Left Off Roster

Despite at one point leading the voting to represent the NFC as kick returner in the 2011 Pro Bowl, Chicago Bears' return specialist/wide receiver Devin Hester was beat out by Arizona Cardinals rookie CB Patrick Petersen.

#Bears @D_Hest23 averages more yards per punt return, has more 20-plus yard punt returns AND, more importantly, he actually returns kickoffs

— Sean Jensen (@skjensen) December 28, 2011

As pointed out above by the Chicago Sun-Times' Sean Jensen, Hester leads Peterson in most major statistical return categories. But there are two crucial areas where Petersen has outshone Hester this year: Petersen has more return touchdowns on the season (four to Hester's three), and he's also produced a few of the most scintillating highlights of the season, including a 99-yard punt return touchdown to defeat the St. Louis Rams in Week 9. When it comes to returns, highlights will likely always win out.

For more on the Pro Bowl, keep it glued to SB Nation. Windy City Gridiron will have you covered on all things Chicago Bears.

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