12/28/2013 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 28, 2013
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Mike Tolbert, a second-year back for the Carolina Panthers and 2007 Coastal Carolina All-American, led all fullbacks in fan votes with 419,966 - over 100,000 more votes than Cleveland's Chris Ogbonnaya - and will be making his first appearance in the NFL's Pro Bowl.
Tolbert has scored a team-high seven touchdowns (five rushing and two receiving) and is thriving as Carolina's short-yardage and goal line back. Of Tolbert's 94 carries, 31.9 percent have resulted in first downs -- a percentage that ranks first in the NFL among running backs and fullbacks.
Tolbert has rushed for 322 yards on 94 attempts while adding 24 receptions for 174 yards.
"It's a big honor, because it shows all the hard work I put in pays off in the way I've been able to help my team win and by doing everything the coaches ask of me." Tolbert said. "It's a great feeling."
Tolbert played at Coastal from 2004-07, earning first team All-Big South honors in his final season along with his second team All-American honors. He averaged an impressive 6.03 yards per carry over his career (277 attempts for 1,670 yards) and he scored 21 rushing touchdowns, now third on the CCU all-time list.
Tolbert signed as a free agent with the San Diego Chargers in 2008 and he played four seasons there. In 2012, he signed with Panthers and has helped the team to the NFC South Division Championship this season.
The Pro Bowl no longer features the AFC versus NFC matchup that has existed since 1971. This year players were selected without regard to conference in voting by fans, coaches and players. Players will later be assigned to teams through the Pro Bowl Draft, which will air on NFL Network on Wednesday, January 22 at 8 p.m. ET.
The 2014 Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 26 and televised live on NBC at 7 p.m. ET from Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.
