"It's been a tough season for Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew.

He played through a knee injury for the first 14 games of the season. But despite that, he rushed for a career-high seven 100-yard games.

NFL coaches, players and fans rewarded him for his efforts.

Jones-Drew, Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis and special teams ace Montell Owens were selected to the Pro Bowl, with Jones-Drew as the lone starter. The three selections are the most for the Jaguars since 1999.

"The respect has been there, and this just verifies how everybody feels about [Jones-Drew]," Jaguars running backs coach Earnest Byner said. "When he said 32 teams passed him up, now those teams are showing the respect that he deserved then, and he deserves now."

A fan vote counted as a third of the selection, player votes another third and coach votes the final third.

The game is scheduled for Jan. 30 in Honolulu.

"It's definitely an honor," Lewis said. "You know, it's one thing to play well and have a good cast around you to help you reach your goals, but you're never in control of the variables around you."

Receiver Kassim Osgood is the first alternate at special teams behind Owens. Fullback Greg Jones, kicker Josh Scobee, who won the fan vote, punter Adam Podlesh and quarterback David Garrard are also Pro Bowl alternates.

Jones-Drew was chosen as a Pro Bowl starter after rushing for 1,324 yards this season. He was the NFL's second-leading rusher to Houston running back Arian Foster until missing last Sunday's game because the injury caused swelling in his knee. Jones-Drew now ranks fourth in rushing.

Jones-Drew went to the Pro Bowl last year, but for Lewis and Owens, this year's selection was their first.

"I'm so proud of this group of players, as each one sets the example for others to follow," Jaguars general manager Gene Smith said. "Pro Bowl recognition is a tremendous achievement and speaks volumes for the commitment they have made, as well as their teammates.""