Janikowski makes history in Honolulu, talks to SBReport.net

Originally published on SBReport.net on Jan. 30, 2012

Despite the Pro Bowl being an offensive shootout with little opportunities for field goals, Oakland Raiders placekicker Sebastian Janikowski was able to make his mark in his first Pro Bowl appearance on Sunday as the AFC came back to defeat the NFC 59-41.

Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler watch Janikowski's field goal soar through the uprightsJanikowski, the Raiders all-time franchise leading scorer, used the shootout as an opportunity to add yet another record to his kicking résumé. After tying the NFL record with a 63-yard field goal in week one against the Broncos, Janikowski finished the 2011 NFL season going 8/8 in the Pro Bowl on extra points, earning the record for most extra points made in a game in Pro Bowl history. San Francisco 49er’s kicker David Akers previously set the record with seven made extra points in the 2010 Pro Bowl.

Janikowski also made his sole field goal attempt from 37 yards out and had five touchbacks, including one that drew “oohs” from the crowd of 48,423 as the kickoff soared over the end zone with plenty of distance to make it through the uprights.

Punter Shane Lechler appeared in his seventh Pro Bowl but did not get the opportunity to show off his strong leg as the AFC chose to go for it on three of their fourth downs. Despite not being able to punt the ball, Lechler was able to be a part of Janikowski’s record-setting performance as his holder, just as he is on the Raiders.

Another familiar piece on the AFC special teams was Raiders long snapper Jon Condo who was making his second Pro Bowl appearance. In addition to serving as the AFC long snapper, Condo also saw time on the field in both kickoff returns and kickoff coverage.

Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, HIOn two occasions, the NFC went to their bag of trickery and called an onside kick to catch the AFC off guard. After the first one was recovered with ease by the NFC, the AFC was ready for it the second time but Condo failed to fall on the ball and the NFC recovered the ball.

Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour started the game for his seventh Pro Bowl but finished with only one sack in a game that saw mostly arm tackles and over 1,100 yards of total offense.

Janikowski wasn’t the only one on the field breaking Pro Bowl records. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald tied the Pro Bowl record for most career Pro Bowl touchdowns when he hauled in his second touchdown of the day in the first quarter to give the NFC a 14-0 lead early. The touchdown reception marked his sixth career Pro Bowl touchdown, tying fellow Pro Bowler and Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall also set his own record en route to being named the 2012 Pro Bowl MVP. Marshall hauled in six receptions for 176 yards and a Pro Bowl record four touchdown receptions. The 176 receiving yards also marks the second most in Pro Bowl history.

Broncos safety Brian Dawkins gave time to let the Raider Nation know exactly who they are getting in their new head coach Dennis Allen, who was Dawkins’ defensive coordinator this season. To see the interview, along with interviews with the Oakland Raiders Pro Bowl attendees in Honolulu, watch the video below.