49ers’ Montana Selected Player of Year

Quarterback Joe Montana of the San Francisco 49ers is the player of the year and running back Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions the only rookie on an all-pro team picked by the Sporting News, a weekly publication.

Montana’s selection to the team is his first in 11 NFL seasons. Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary and Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Anthony Munoz were each chosen for the sixth consecutive time.

Other repeaters on the publication’s team are San Francisco wide receiver Jerry Rice, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Keith Jackson, Houston Oilers guard Bruce Matthews, Rams guard Tom Newberry and Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Keith Millard.

Rice’s selection was his fourth in a row. New York Giants punter Sean Lendeta was chosen a second time to the team after a two-year absence. The Rams were represented by three players--Newberry, linebacker Kevin Greene and kicker Mike Lansford--most among NFL teams.

Other TSN editors’ choices--on offense: Sterling Sharpe, Green Bay Packers, wide receiver; Jim Lackey, Washington Redskins, offensive tackle; Kent Hull, Buffalo Bills, center, and Christian Okoye, Kansas City Chiefs, running back.

On defense: Lee Williams, San Diego Chargers, and Chris Doleman, Minnesota, ends; Michael Dean Perry, Cleveland Browns, tackle; Tim Harris, Green Bay; and Eugene Lockhart, Dallas Cowboys, linebackers; Gill Byrd, San Diego, and Albert Lewis, Kansas City, cornerbacks; David Fulcher, Cincinnati, strong safety, and Harry Hamilton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, free safety.

Selected specialists are Rod Woodson, Pittsburgh Steelers, kickoff returner, and Walter Stanley, Detroit, punt returner.