ALAMEDA – Raiders have had a tough time getting fullback Marcel Reece the football this season, but his efforts haven’t been glossed over.
The versatile playmaker was named to his second straight Pro Bowl on Friday evening, when the NFL released the roster.
Reece was an alternate in 2012, but went to the game after Baltimore’s Vonta Leach reached the Super Bowl.
Reece made it outright this season, a sign that he’s gaining respect across the league. Reece was third in the fan vote with 182,668. That counts for a third of the overall weight, combining with votes from fans and coaches.
"First off, it’s an honor to be recognized amongst the elite players in the NFL,” Reece said in a statement. “I just want to say thank you to my family and my teammates for allowing me to be myself and play at a high level, and also say thank you, last but not least, to the Raider Nation for showing their continuous support throughout the season and my career.”
Reece made the most of his touches, averaging 4.7 yards per carry and 10.3 yards per catch through 16 games. All told, Reece has 218 yards and two touchdowns on 46 carries and 31 catches for 320 yards, which the best total by a fullback. He also has two receiving TDs.
Reece’s finest effort came Dec. 8 against the New York Jets, when he had 161 yards total offense and a touchdown as the Raiders’ primary tailback.
The Pro Bowl selection punctuates a solid individual season, which included a $12.45 million contract extension through 2016. It also pads his pocketbook. Reece receives a $100,000 bonus for making the NFL's all-star game.
