SANTA CLARA -- Nine members of the 49ers were named to the NFC Pro Bowl team on Wednesday, with seven of the players being named as starters.
RB Frank Gore: He is sixth in the NFC in rushing with 1,146 yards and seven touchdowns. His 4.8 average is third-best among NFC running backs with at least 600 yards rushing. It is the fourth time Gore has been selected to the Pro Bowl.
LT Joe Staley: The sixth-year player, a first-round draft pick in 2007, was selected to the Pro Bowl for a second season in a row. He was named as a starter.
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LG Mike Iupati: He was selected to the NFC Pro Bowl team for the first time in his three-year career. Iupati, a first-round pick in 2010, has not missed a game in his career. He was named as a starter.
DT Justin Smith: He was selected to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl with the 49ers. Smith ranks third on the 49ers with 130 tackles, according the coaches' film review. With Smith in the lineup, the 49ers led the league in scoring defense. In the six quarters Smith has been out with an arm/elbow injury, the 49ers' defense has surrendered eight touchdowns. He was named as a starter.
OLB Aldon Smith: The second-year pass-rusher has been selected for the first time. He set the 49ers' single-season sacks record with 19.5. He is just three sacks behind Michael Strahan's single-season NFL record. He was named as a starter.
LB NaVorro Bowman: Despite being chosen as a first-team All-Pro last season, Bowman did not make the Pro Bowl team. He will make his first trip to the Pro Bowl this season. Bowman leads the 49ers with 180 tackles, according to the coaches' review of the game film.
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LB Patrick Willis: Chosen to his sixth Pro Bowl in six seasons, Willis is second on the 49ers with 164 tackles. He has two interceptions, two forced fumbles and nine broken-up passes. He was named as a starter.
S Dashon Goldson: The 49ers' franchise player has been selected to the Pro Bowl for a second consecutive season. Goldson is the 49ers' fifth-leading tackler and also leads the team with three interceptions. He was named as a starter.
S Donte Whitner: The seven-year veteran made his first Pro Bowl. He is fourth on the 49ers with 112 tackles. He was named as a starter.
In addition, the following players were named as alternates:
G Alex Boone
OLB Ahmad Brooks
T Anthony Davis
TE Vernon Davis
C Jonathan Goodwin
P Andy Lee
CB Carlos Rogers
ST C.J. Spillman