Young named to Pro Bowl over McNair

OWINGS MILLS -- The protege is going to the Pro Bowl because of his mentor. Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Vince Young has been named to the AFC Pro Bowl squad as an alternate because Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair, his close friend, opted to let the rookie go in his place.

McNair was the second alternate quarterback up, but contacted Young, the third alternate, and decided to pass up his fourth Pro Bowl appearance.

The NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year takes injured San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers' spot after Tom Brady decided to withdraw to play in the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament.

There's still an outside chance McNair could go to the Pro Bowl if Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning opts to withdraw following Super Bowl XLI because of his lingering thumb injury. McNair has been to three Pro Bowls.

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times in Westminster, Maryland.