The San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears lead the NFL in wins — and Pro Bowlers. The Chargers placed nine players on the AFC squad Tuesday and the Bears had seven on the NFC team, which also includes a quarterback — Dallas’ Tony Romo — who wasn’t a starter when the season began.

San Diego’s contingent includes quarterback Philip Rivers, who sat on the bench for his first two seasons behind Drew Brees. The former Chargers quarterback signed as a free agent with New Orleans in the off-season and will start for the NFC.

Also among the players representing the Chargers is linebacker Shawne Merriman, last year’s defensive rookie of the year, who made it despite missing four games for flunking a steroid test.

“I’m very proud of our team and players,”said general manager A.J. Smith of the Chargers, who like the Bears are 12–2. “We have a special group of players. These individuals are being recognized, but this is also a positive reflection on their teammates and the overall strength and depth of the entire roster.”

Chicago’s representatives demonstrate how the Bears won: with defense and special teams. Three of the seven Bears, led by linebacker Brian Urlacher, are on defense and three are on special teams — kicker Robbie Gould, specialist Brendan Ayanbadejo and rookie return man Devin Hester, who has shattered records with six returns for touchdowns on three punts, two kickoffs and a missed field goal.

The NFC team also includes the Barber twins — running back Tiki of the New York Giants and Ronde of Tampa Bay. The first twins to make it together, they now become the second set of brothers to make the Pro Bowl for three straight seasons — Shannon and Sterling Sharpe from 1993–95 are the others.

“With this being my final season in the NFL and the final time my brother Ronde and I will be teammates, the honor carries even more significance than in previous years,” said Tiki Barber, who described himself as “emotional” and ecstatic.”