Tuesday was a great day for Poly football, and there weren’t even any gold helmets on the field. That’s because two former Jackrabbits, DeSean Jackson and Marcedes Lewis, were named to the NFL Pro Bowl, a phenomenal accomplishment for one high school, even one with as storied an NFL legacy as Poly’s.
Jackson was a no-brainer, as one of the league’s most dynamic, explosive receivers and return men—he was selected as a receiver and as a special teams return player, the first time in Pro Bowl history a player was selected at their normal position and as a specialist. He has over 1,000 yards receiving, 12 total touchdowns, and set the NFL record for most catches over 40 yards in a season (with 10, currently). In just his second year, he already stands as one of the best receivers in Eagles history.
The honor is just as deserved, if more surprising, for Marcedes Lewis, who was named the AFC’s alternate tight end. Lewis was a pass-catching tight end in high school and college, before making the adjustment to becoming primarily a blocker under Jack Del Rio on the Jaguars. That the league’s players, coaches, and fans recognize the value of this skill is great, and they’ve provided Lewis—and Poly—with a significant honor in selecting him to his first Pro Bowl.