Former Hurricanes swarm the field at Pro Bowl in South Florida

Ray Lewis hasn't taken a snap for the University of Miami in 15 years.

But, as seen in the moments after the Pro Bowl he always will be president of the most exclusive alumni association in football: The UM Pros Club.

Amid the bedlam on the field after the AFC's 41-34 victory, with NFL stars at every turn, Lewis' voice rang out:

``Dre! Andre Johnson! Get over here!''

Lewis wanted a photo taken with the six other Hurricanes who played in Sunday's all-star showcase. And his patience was short.

Vince Wilfork, the beefy Patriots defense lineman, already had disappeared. Lewis wasn't letting Johnson, the Texans' wide receiver, vanish, too.

Johnson made his way to the group, and the picture was complete: Lewis, Johnson, Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather, Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle, Panthers linebacker Jon Beason and Niners running back Frank Gore.

Two decades of UM football, all on one piece of real estate.

``It was like a family reunion,'' Gore said.

Lewis agreed: ``It doesn't get any better than that.''

Said Johnson: ``It's like you're brothers. We have something that I don't think any other school has.''

Sun Life Stadium was never home for the seven Canes that suited up Sunday night. They played at the Orange Bowl, which was UM's home for seven decades until its demolition in early 2008. But as the starters took the field, it sure had the feel of a UM homecoming.

The cheers among the 70,697 in attendance seemed the loudest when the former Canes were announced.

``I'm loving every minute,'' Meriweather said. ``I get to play with Big V [Wilfork], Ray Lewis . . . and it's just a dream come true.''

In all, 11 UM players earned Pro Bowl invites, although four missed the game because of: 1) Injury; 2) They will be playing in the Super Bowl; or 3) In the case of Bryant McKinnie, failing to even show up for practice.

NFC coaches booted McKinnie, the Vikings offensive tackle, on Saturday after he missed two practices in a row.

Other Canes who were selected but did not play: Colts receiver Reggie Wayne and Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, both out because their teams will play in the Super Bowl, and Ravens safety Ed Reed (injury).

As for the seven who actually took the field, none had a bigger impact than Johnson.

On the game's fifth play from scrimmage, he beat Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel for a 33-yard touchdown on a pass from Texans teammate Matt Schaub.

``We ran a pump route, and he was all over it,'' Johnson said. ``Coach [Norv] Turner said when we get a third-and-6, we'd call something like that, and it was a perfect call.''



(miamiherald.com)