Brandon Marshall was eager to play in his first Pro Bowl in 2009. Marshall, then a rising star at wideout for the Broncos in his third NFL season, had just recorded his second season of 1,000-plus receiving yards, and at the time, a career high in receptions (104) during the 2008 campaign.
Not only did Marshall earn the Pro Bowl nod, but he was also named a starter in the AFC’s wide receivers group that included then Texans’ Andre Johnson, Colts’ Reggie Wayne and Patriots’ Wes Welker.
The AFC’s starting quarterback was then-Colts star Peyton Manning. Anytime Manning was under center dialing up the plays and executing an offense, the five-time NFL MVP always meant business, even if it was an exhibition matchup at the Pro Bowl.