Gray, Ekern Make Pro Bowl Team for the First Time

The Rams placed seven players on this year’s National Football Conference Pro Bowl team, which won’t officially be announced until today.

Making the team for the first time were second-year cornerback Jerry Gray and veteran inside linebacker Carl Ekern.

Other Rams named were running back Eric Dickerson, the NFL’s leading rusher, guard Dennis Harrah, tackle Jackie Slater, center Doug Smith and cornerback LeRoy Irvin.

It will be the fifth Pro Bowl appearance for Harrah, a 12-year veteran, and the third time each for Dickerson, Slater and Smith. Irvin made it for the second time.

Gray, who replaced the injured Gary Green at cornerback this season, leads the Rams with eight interceptions.

Gray, a safety in college, said he was surprised when he learned of his selection.

“At the beginning of the year, there were questions whether I would even be able to play the position,” Gray said.

Ekern, the veteran, waited 10 years to be selected.

“It’s a big honor, kind of shocking,” Ekern said. “I’m happy and kind of proud of it.

“It’s difficult to pick players for the Pro Bowl because there are so many good players,” Ekern said. “In our style of defense, it’s hard for guys in particular positions to get notoriety because we rotate so many people.”

Irvin, second on the team with six interceptions, has returned two interceptions for touchdowns this season and has also scored after a blocked field goal.

This year’s game will be played Feb. 1 in Honolulu.