Antonio Smith:'I'm at a Loss for Words'

Updated: Thursday, 19 Jan 2012, 2:34 PM CST
Published : Thursday, 19 Jan 2012, 2:30 PM CST

HOUSTON - Houston Texas defensive end Antonio Smith and center Chris Myers were added to the AFC's Pro Bowl roster.

It is the first time for both players.

They will join cornerback Johnathan Joseph who will start for the AFC and the Houston Texans coaching staff which will coach the AFC.

Running back Arian Foster was voted to the AFC team, but had to pull out because of a foot injury.

Smith is overjoyed.

"It's about time," Smith said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. "It means an awful lot to me.

"It's something I've always wanted, to be respected by my peers. It's amazing man.

Smith, who helped the Texans earn the second-ranked defense in the NFL in 2011, said he definitely feels he belongs with the best of the best.

"As far as being around players and things like that, I've always thought I was one of the best defensive linemen you never noticed out there," Smith said.

"I would have to say yea this is the crowning achievement, but I'm still striving for making that All-Pro team. That's my ulitmate inidividual role, but being an alternate and being selected man it's truly a blessing."

And speaking of blessings Smith has been looking for a little divine intervention to help get to the Pro Bowl.

"I've been praying for it," Smith said. God is good.

"Over these last few years I've really be reaching for it. I'm glad everybody thought I was good enough to player to be selected."

Smith is coming off of the best season of his career, finishing with a career high 6.5 quarterback sacks.

Statistics that helped him get to his first Pro Bowl.

"Man it's awesome," Smith said. "I'm at a loss for words. As a professional football player, that's one of the top plusses you can get under a Super Bowl.

"Everybody wants that Super Bowl. Every player wants to be at least recognized and noticed by your peers as a Pro Bowl player."

Smith is replacing New England Patriots defensive end Andre Carter, who is not playing because of an injury.

"I'm not going to be star struck now, you know better than that," Smith said. "I'm not going to be star struck with the other D-linemen."

Myers is the first offensive lineman in Texans franchise history to make the Pro Bowl.

Myers, a seven-year veteran, started every game for Houston during the regular season and the playoffs.

He is one of the reasons the Texans owned the second-ranked rushing offense in the NFL in 2011.

Myers replaces Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, who will not play because of an injury.