Browns tight end Gary Barnidge has been named to his first Pro Bowl as a replacement for Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Gronkowski, who was outstanding in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game loss to the Broncos, battled various injuries and ailments through the season, so his absence from next Sunday’s Pro Bowl is not surprising. Also, he has partying to do.
Barnidge had a big season and earned a contract extension from it. He led the Browns with with 79 receptions, 1,043 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.
Barnidge joins Browns offensive linemen Alex Mack and Joe Thomas in the Pro Bowl.