"Hawaii isn't the most desired destination, but four Indianapolis Colts can count on the Pro Bowl for an enjoyable getaway if they don't reach the Super Bowl.
Quarterback Peyton Manning, defensive end Dwight Freeney, wide receiver Reggie Wayne and defensive end Robert Mathis were repeat selections Tuesday for the AFC-NFC all-star game, which returns to Honolulu on Jan. 30 after being played in Miami last February.
But Super Bowl participants don't get to take the Hawaiian vacation. That would suit the Colts just fine.
"It's definitely a plan B," said Wayne, chosen for the fifth consecutive year. "That's what you want it to be. For everybody in this locker room and organization, the ultimate goal is the Super Bowl. That's plan A. I really want this to be 99.9 percent plan A, and .1 percent plan B.
"If plan B is the option, it's not a bad thing to have. Sit back and mai tais on me."
The Colts (9-6) can clinch an AFC South title and playoff berth with a win over Tennessee (6-9) Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
"Best-case scenario, I'm not at the Pro Bowl, I'm at the Super Bowl," said Freeney, a six-time selection. "If things don't go the right way, I would consider Hawaii where it needs to be. The weather is beautiful. It's tradition."
It's also becoming common for Freeney to be joined at the Pro Bowl by the Colts' other star pass rusher. Mathis leads the Colts with 11 sacks. It's the third straight season he has been named.
Manning has made it 11 times in his 13-year career, matching Brett Favre's record for quarterbacks. The four-time MVP's 4,436 passing yards lead the league. Manning, who tied Gino Marchetti's Colts record of 11 selections, also has career highs in completions (423) and attempts (638)."