By John Pappas
Warpath Confidential Editor
London Fetcher is a middle linebackers’ middle linebacker. He is in his 12th season in the NFL. He ranks third in tackles in the league. He has played in 191 straight games (tied for second among active players), and has started 150 (tied for fourth among active players). At 5-foot-10, Fletcher is small compared to those around him, but he delivers a big hit as Brian Westbrook, DeSean Jackson, and Brandon Jacobs will tell you.
Yet Tuesday, he was rejected for the Pro Bowl, yet again.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say I am disappointed,” said Fletcher. “I think one thing that you can get so caught up in is what you don’t have and lose sight of what you do have. I have been informed that I am the first alternate for the Pro Bowl. So when you think about it, it means a lot of my peers, coaches, players and fans thought that I was deserving of a Pro Bowl bid. I’m still holding out hope that maybe something happens where I am able to get in there, maybe one of the guys will decide and say, ‘Hey let this guy go.’ So I am not disappointed. I’m still considered one of the top linebackers as a middle linebacker in the game. So that’s all you can think about.”
Fletcher’s reaction belies his strong character. He is the unequivocal leader of the defense, and one of the most respected players on the team. He is not as vocal or as boisterous as other NFL stars, and for this reason may be one of the best kept secrets on defense for fans around the league.
Many see the continued rejection of a Fletcher Pro Bowl bid as an injustice. They bemoan a league that selects players based on popularity and Sports Center highlights. Because of this, they say Fletcher’s humility and low-key demeanor may be partially to blame for his continued failure to make the Pro Bowl. That, and the fact he plays on one of the worst teams on the league.
“London is very valuable to this community, very valuable to this football team, this franchise, and that’s why we can all be frustrated for London,” said head coach Jim Zorn. ”I think he understands what his situation is.”
“I was so happy and so ecstatic for myself, but at the same time I know what London [Fletcher] and guys like Andre [Carter] have done for me and helped my game, especially London because he gets snubbed every year,” said Brian Orakpo, who was selected to the Pro Bowl at outside lnebacker. ”I just felt kind of bad because he deserved it, as much as I deserved it if not more because of what he brings to the table.”
Orakpo said he would be willing to give up his spot on the Pro Bowl roster if it would mean that Fletcher could go.
“I really would,” said Orakpo. ”I’m not just saying that for good publicity. I love London. He means a lot to me.”
The silver lining for Fletcher this year is that he has been named first alternate. In past years, this would mean he is the first eligible if one of the starters becomes unavailable. This year however, the league has instituted a new policy stating that players whose teams go to the Super Bowl are ineligible to play in the Pro Bowl.
Because of this, Fletcher said he will be rooting for New Orleans in the playoffs. The Saints’ Jonathan Vilma has been selected as one of the starting middle linebackers for the NFC in the Pro Bowl (San Fransisco’s Patrick Willis is the other) and Fletcher is hoping they go all the way.
“I am a huge New Orleans fan right now,” Fletcher said. “I text [New Orleans' defensive coordinator] Gregg Williams saying that I am a huge New Orleans fan. Congratulations Jonathan Vilma. Go Saints!”
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