San Francisco 49ers guard Mike Iupati and tackle Joe Staley have been selected to participate in the 2015 Pro Bowl in Arizona. The following five players were selected as alternates for the Pro Bowl: strong safety Antoine Bethea, guard Alex Boone, inside linebacker Chris Borland, running back Frank Gore and defensive tackle Justin Smith.
A five-year veteran, Iupati was selected to his third consecutive Pro Bowl after helping the 49ers rank sixth in the NFL in rushing yards per game (131.3) and yards per carry (4.51). A former first-round selection (17th overall) by San Francisco in the 2010 NFL Draft, Iupati has proven he is one of the premier guards in the league.
What does it mean to you to be selected to the Pro Bowl?
“It means a lot. It’s all about that respect. You’ve just got to play. If you love playing the game, then people in front of you respect you as a player. It’s hard work.”
Despite being an individual accolade, are you proud to be able to represent your entire team?
“Yeah, definitely. I think many people could have made it because everyone works so hard.”
Is it more special that you’re able to go alongside teammate T Joe Staley?
“It means an awful lot to me that Joe will be there.”
Is there anyone you want to really thank for this honor?
“I want to thank my teammates. I want to thank [offensive line] coach [Mike] Solari. Solari and the entire offense, they’re the reason why I’m going. Coach Solari is a very detailed guy. He’s a legend.”
Staley is making his fourth consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl and has anchored the 49ers offensive line since being drafted by the team in the first-round (28th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. An eight-year veteran, Staley helped the 49ers rank sixth in the NFL in rushing yards per game (131.3) and yards per carry (4.51), in addition to protecting the quarterback’s blindside during the 2014 season. A tough, durable lineman, Staley hasn’t missed a game since 2010.
What is it like to be selected to the Pro Bowl again?
“It’s an honor. It’s nice to be respected by your fans and your peers.”
How does it feel to go again with G Mike Iupati?
“It’s great. I’m so happy for him. It’s going to be special for us.”
The Pro Bowl was like a draft last year and it was un-conferenced for the first time. Who is a guy this year that you would like to go up against that maybe you are not used to facing?
“I hope [DT] Justin [Smith] goes. He’s an alternate. I hope he goes so I can go against him.”
