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NASHVILLE, Tenn. —** Tennessee Titans CB Alterraun Verner has been elected to his first Pro Bowl today.
He is the first Titan to be elected since 2010, when the team had four players (DE Jason Babin, S Michael Griffin, RB Chris Johnson and KR Marc Mariani) play in the game. He also becomes the first Tennessee cornerback selected since 2008, when Cortland Finnegan earned a spot on the team. Verner has started all 15 games this season and ranks fourth in the NFL in interceptions with five and second among NFL cornerbacks. He also has registered 25 passes defensed, 72 tackles and two fumble recoveries.
Here are some quotes from Verner, upon learning of his selection to the team:
Thoughts on making the Pro Bowl
"It is a huge honor. It is something that everybody in my family, we used to watch the game and admire the people that make it. So to know that I am going to be a part of it and that only a special group of people make this game is very exciting. It is a good cap-off to the season and I am excited to be able to represent the Titans."
How did you find out?*
"Coach Munchak and Mr. Webster called me this afternoon and let me know."
To what or who do you attribute your growth this season and the season that you had? "I have a couple of trainers back in California that help me year in and year out. They help me have my body at optimal performance every year. They have been with me since high school – from nutrition to running and conditioning to cornerback drills. I have had a core group of people that have been with me. I also would credit my teammates and the new style of defense that we played. Our d-line got pressure and everything has been in place to help me make the plays I was able to make this season. I think the scheme and the players around me – from Bernard (Pollard) to Jason (McCourty) to (Michael Griffin) – they allowed me to make the plays to help the team. Also with my faith, definitely God had a plan from the get-go. He kind of foretold me that he was going to have my back and take care of me, but would not have guessed to this extent. He gave me a lot of confidence going into the season that things were going to be OK."
Have you thought about who you will be taking with you to the game?*
"I have not. I am pretty sure my family will want to go. I will see if those trainers from California will want to go. Unfortunately my wife will not be able to go because she is pregnant and the due date actually is pretty close to the Pro Bowl."
Any other thoughts about the honor?
"I would like to say "thank you" to the fans and to Titans Nation that voted for me and tried to help me out. I want to thank the coaches for allowing me to contribute the way I was able to contribute. Again to my teammates as well. This is not an individual sport at all. This wasn't an 'I' award or an 'I' honor, I didn't make this happen, everyone had a hand in it. I am appreciative, overwhelmed and very excited."
