For the first time in his 12- year career, Place Kicker, Sebastian Janikowski will be attending the 2012 Pro-Bowl. Considering that he has been a very crucial part of the Raiders franchise, it is a shock to hear that he hadn’t been invited any sooner. With a career total of 1,271 points, Polish native, Janikowski, has been regarded as a fan favorite and habitual game-saver.
“It’s very sweet. I’m excited about it. If you asked me that question 10 years ago I would say I’d be there five times already… It’s been a long time. But good things happen to people who wait,” says Janikowski.
And wait is exactly what he had to do. The Raiders all time scoring leader was finally selected after making the 2011 regular season a record-setting one. During the season opener at Denver, Janikowski tied the NFL mark with a 63-yard field goal. He tied the record of 3 field goals of at least 50-yards at Houston, the day after the death owner, Al Davis. The number 17 pick of the 2000 draft also set the team-record of 6 field goals during the November game against Chicago.
Janikowski says that honor of being invited to the Pro-Bowl is extremely special considering that he will be attending with Raider punter, Shane Lechler. Lechler commented, “It was definitely overdue, and I was excited for him.” Both were drafted into the Raiders franchise in 2000 and have become great friends.
Although the Raiders didn’t participate in any postseason playoff games, fans can look forward to watching one of the Black Hole’s greats compete in Hawaii on Sunday.
“It took me a while, but it feels great …It’s a great honor, and I’m happy to be there.”
Janikowski will be joined by a few familiar faces in Hawaii. Fellow teammates, Richard Seymour, Jon Condo and punter Shane Lechler are also playing in the Pro Bowl.
