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When the Pro Bowl selections were announced, there was one player on the Dallas Cowboys roster that many felt should have been on it, but was not. Today, that was rectified, and Jason Hatcher will be going to Hawaii.
Thank you to all my fans for voting for me. It's a Honor and a privilege to announce I'll be attending the 2014 pro bowl. #CowboysNation
— Jason Hatcher (@hatcher97) January 16, 2014
In a season where there was little good about the Dallas defense, Hatcher was the one clear standout. He had a career high 11 sacks, and at times was the only healthy defensive lineman that had started the season with the Cowboys. His strong performance while the team was going through so many injuries and struggles was a glimpse at what might have been.
He'll join Dez Bryant and Tyron Smith, who were on the original Pro Bowl roster when it came out. Hatcher will replace Haloti Ngata of the Baltimore Ravens, who has withdrawn his name. Ngata's season was injury plagued and that probably is the reason he has elected not to accept his invitation.
There is the chance this could be Hatcher's last appearance as a member of the Cowboys since the team is going to be having to do some money-juggling to get under the salary cap. Hatcher is a free agent and Dallas might not have enough cap room to pay Hatcher the kind of money he is likely to get from another team. However, no matter what his future holds, it is gratifying to see him get an honor many felt he deserved all along. I think OCC put it best.
I can't remember being more pleased at a Cowboys Pro Bowl nomination than this one.
And this is a big day in the Hatcher household for other, more important reasons.
I'm so emotional right now. This been the best 24 hours of my life a baby boy and a pro bowl. God is good!!!!
— Jason Hatcher (@hatcher97) January 16, 2014
Congratulations, Jason, for everything.
