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Chargers and Bear lead NFL and Pro Bowl

The San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears, both teams sharing the top NFL record at this point in the season with 12 wins and two losses, also lead the NFL in the number of players they will send to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. The Chargers will send nine players to the AFC team, including linebacker Shawne Merriman, who missed four games for a drug use suspension, and quarterback Philip Rivers who is playing his first season as a starter.

League touchdown leader LaDainian Tomlinson of the Chargers will also lead the AFC team. The 27 year old running back has scored 29 touchdowns in 14 games this season, a single-season record. 26 of the TDs came in the past 9 games, making LT the hottest player in the league and an MVP favorite.

The Bears will send seven to the NFC, three of them defense players led by linebacker Brian Urlacher, and three special unit players. The NFC team will also feature Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys. Romo was not even a starter when the season began. Also playing for the NFC team will be twins Tiki barber of the Giants and Ronde Barber of the Buccaneers.