Buccaneers Head Pro Bowl List

The once-lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed an NFL-high seven players in the Pro Bowl, including rookie running back Warrick Dunn.

The Buccaneers, in the midst of their first winning season since 1982 and on the brink of qualifying for the playoffs, have linebackers Hardy Nickerson, Derrick Brooks, defensive end Warren Sapp, quarterback Trent Dilfer, center Tony Mayberry, fullback Mike Alstott, and Dunn on the NFC squad, the league announced Thursday.

Six players were selected from the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, including starters Brett Favre at quarterback, Dorsey Levens at running back, Reggie White at defensive end and LeRoy Butler at strong safety. White was selected for a record 12th Pro Bowl appearance.

Six members of the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers made the AFC squad in voting by fans, coaches and players.

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Steeler linebacker Greg Lloyd’s staph infection of his right ankle probably will sideline him for the last two regular-season games. Coach Bill Cowher said Lloyd will be reevaluated for the playoffs.

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The Buccaneers exercised their contract options on Dilfer through the 2001 season. Meanwhile, tight end Jackie Harris will sit out the final two games of the regular season after undergoing hernia surgery. Harris could return for any playoff games, the team said.

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Four-time Pro Bowl tight end Brent Jones confirmed that he will retire after the season after 12 years with the San Francisco 49ers, saying, “After all those years, you just know in your heart when it’s time, and my thing has always been to retire on your own terms.” . . . Tight end Frank Wainright should be ready for next season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn chest muscle, the Miami Dolphins said.