Tight end Rob Gronkowski (545,514), guard Logan Mankins (168,576) and linebacker Jerod Mayo (267,157) lead the way at their positions in the first phase of the three-pronged voting process that decides the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl rosters. After the conclusion of the fan voting, players and coaches will add the other two-thirds of the voting to decide who's sent to this February's game in Hawaii.
Though he's actually the second overall vote getter, Tom Brady (746,710) trails Denver's Peyton Manning (823,372) at quarterback in the AFC.
Running back Stevan Ridley (225,136), wide receiver Wes Welker (373,563), linebacker Brandon Spikes (85,042), kicker Stephen Gostkowski (78,965) and punter Zoltan Mesko (60,922) all rank third at their positions.
Rookie defensive end Chandler Jones (147,254), defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (158,614) rank forth as of earlier this week.
Tight end Aaron Hernandez (69,344), guard Dan Connolly (114,964), defensive end Rob Ninkovich (106,757), defensive back Devin McCourty (140,070) and special teamer Matthew Slater (43,262) all rank fifth in fan votes.
New England fans still have plenty of time to stuff the ballot box – it's a joke that Wilfork is so low in the voting in my opinion! – now through Dec. 17.
Click here to show some love and vote for your favorite Patriots for this year's Pro Bowl!
(Although I realize most fans are hoping the Patriots players will be playing in the Super Bowl, rather than the all-star game. But it's the thought that counts.)
