National Football League

First-time Pro Bowlers soaking it all in

Published Jan. 28, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

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Arian Foster usually gets where he's going in a hurry — at least on the football field.

This week, the first-time Pro Bowl selection is in no hurry.

Houston's All-Pro running back was one of the last players to leave the practice field Thursday as he posed for photos, signed autographs and chatted at length with reporters.

Foster is one of 35 first-timers selected for Sunday's NFL all-star game, including 23 from the AFC. The most is when 44 first-timers were selected to the game in 2000, including 26 on the NFC.

And it's usually not difficult to spot a first-timer. Besides being the last off the field, they're also the ones that look like they've had too much sun — but still grinning ear to ear.

''You have no choice but to enjoy Hawaii. You've got a problem if you don't,'' Foster said. ''This is like heaven. I'll die and go to Hawaii. That's all right with me.''

The 24-year-old Foster earned a spot by going from undrafted member of the Texans' practice squad to the league's leading rusher with 1,616 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.

Foster said it first sunk in that he was among the NFL's all-stars when he saw AFC teammates such as Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and Baltimore Ravens linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs at the first meeting.

''When you just see them, it's just surreal,'' he said. ''(Then) you kind of realize they have the same amount of respect for you as you do for them. That makes it all worth it.''

The new Pro Bowlers generally take guidance from the veterans as far as how to act, where to go and what to eat. But they really don't know what to expect on game day.

''I have no clue. This is my first rodeo. I don't know if these guys are really going to come out and try to hit hard,'' Foster said.

While Foster made his first trip in his second year in the league, others have had to wait much longer, like Atlanta Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli, who is in his eight season and will start for the NFC.

''I'm loving it. For years, and years and years, I've been trying to get here,'' he said. ''It took eight years but now that I've got it, I don't want to let it go.''

Mughelli, one of an NFC-leading nine Falcons, said the experience is much better in person than watching on TV. He did attend the 2008 Pro Bowl, but that was to support teammate Michael Turner.

This time, someone else is picking up the tab.

''The first-class flight out here instead of coach didn't hurt either,'' he said.

For Mughelli, walking into the Pro Bowl hotel for the first time and seeing Manning, Drew Brees, Michael Vick and other NFL greats — past and present — made him pause.

''All these monsters of the game,'' he said. ''All these are legends and Hall of Famers walking by me. It's hard not to be in awe of how much greatness is in one room ... I'm hoping one day I'll be looked at like I look at them. But right now, it's just a blessing to be around here.''

It also took eight years for Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Lloyd, who is cherishing every moment and even went surfing this week.

''There's probably nobody as honored as I am to be out here and playing in this game,'' he said.

Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles remembers watching the Pro Bowl for years on TV. He said being in Hawaii is ''a trip.''

''I watched other people and I'm like, 'Why can't I be up in there?''' he said. ''All it takes is hard work.''

Charles, making his first appearance in his third season, plans to visit Pearl Harbor this week.

Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller, also a first-timer, said it has been an amazing experience so far and he's enjoyed catching passes from his AFC quarterbacks.

''It's cool because they're All-Pro guys, multiple-time Pro Bowlers and they're just at the top of their game,'' he said. ''You could see it out here, the way they lead the offense and the way they play.''

Lewis, meanwhile, is making his 12th trip, leading all players.

''It's an honor every time whether it's one, two (or) 12,'' he said. ''For me, it's always a blessing.''

In his 15th season, Lewis said he's committed to playing the all-star game, but realizes other veterans have decided to pass on the Pro Bowl, which may be the reason for youth movement.

''This is your reward. If you don't appreciate this, if you think you're too big for this, it's a sad day because this day will soon come to an end for all of us,'' he said.

Lewis remembers making his first trips to Hawaii and learning from former greats like Reggie White and Derrick Thomas. Now, the first-timers are all hitting Lewis up for some wisdom. He tells them to learn and soak it all in.

''When you see these young guys, you see how big their eyes are, you see how excited they really are to be over here, it makes you feel good all over again,'' Lewis said.