P Shane Lechler (right) has been named 2009 AP All-Pro first team, and CB Nnamdi Asomugha has been selected AP All-Pro 2nd team.
The Associated Press has announced its 2009 National Football League All-Pro team. Oakland Raiders P Shane Lechler has been named 1st Team All-Pro, while CB Nnamdi Asomugha was chosen 2nd Team All-Pro. Both have been invited to play in the 2010 Pro Bowl later this month - Lechler for the fifth time, Asomugha for the third time.
Lechler broke his own record for net average yards punting in a single season. He also narrowly missed breaking Sammy Baugh's single-season record for gross punting average. In 2009, his net average per punt was 43.9. Baugh's record for gross punting average stands at 51.4 while Lechler averaged 51.1 yards per punt during the 2009 season. It was the first time the 10-year veteran averaged more than 50 yards per punt in his career.
"It's a good honor, something to be proud of, I really appreciate it. I'm truly humbled and honored." Lechler said. "It's an honor [to be part of the Raiders tradition of great punters], They're all good guys who just went out and did their jobs on Sundays. That's what I'm proud to be a part of."
Asomugha was one of two Raiders first round selections in the 2003 NFL Draft. Asomugha finished the 2009 season with 34 tackles, four passes defensed and his interception on November 22 against Cincinnati brought his career total to 11. He tied for third in the NFL with eight interceptions during the 2006 season.
"Being selected an All-Pro for the third time in my seven-year career with the Raiders is the most humbling honor of all," Asomugha said. "I'm very proud to continue to carry the torch for a long line of Raiders cornerbacks that have had great success in this league. I'm truly honored and proud to be recognized."
