by Marissa McNees

Only a select number of players make it on the NFL’s Pro Bowl ballot, and even fewer get the honor of playing in this all-star game. While making it on that final roster is a rare honor, being placed on the ballot deserves recognition as well.

Two former EMU players earned that recognition this season. Tennessee Titans defensive tackle, Jason Jones and Houston Texans wide receiver, Kevin Walter, were both placed on the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl ballot.

Kevin Walter, photo by Associated Press

Walter, who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL draft by the New York Giants, set several school records as an Eagle, including receptions (211), receiving yards (2.838) and touchdown catches (20). In his senior year at EMU, Walter received All-MAC honors and set two single-season records for receptions and receiving yards.

As a pro, Walter had a brief tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals where he was mainly a backup and special teams player, however he did make several starts in 2005. After being signed with the Texans, Walter was the team’s number one receiver after an injury to Pro-Bowler Andre Johnson. Nearing the end of the 2010 season, Walter has 48 receptions for 587 yards and averages 11.8 yards per reception, second-highest on the team.

Jason Jones, photo by John Sleezer, titansonline.com

Jones, who was selected in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, made his markwhile at EMU. As a junior, Jones ranked fifth in the nation in tackles for losses with 18.5 tackles for losses of 71 yards. In his senior year as an Eagle, Jones gained more national rankings with his career-high 19.5 stops for losses, making him tied for seventh in the NCAA in this category, and received third-team All-American honors and first-team All-MAC honors.

In his three years with the Titans, Jones has been making an impact on defense. As a rookie, Jones recorded the best single-game sack total by a Titan since 1993. In that same season, Jones also had the most sacks among all rookie defensive lineman. In 2010, with one game remaining in the regular season, Jones has made 33 solo tackles and 3.5 sacks, bringing his career total to 12.5 sacks.

Tune in to the 2011 Pro Bowl on January 30 at 7 p.m. on Fox.