The 2009 Associated Press All-Pro Team was announced today, and only one Charger was named to the 1st team: kicker Nate Kaeding.
This marks Nate's second time being named all-pro, as he was named to the All-Pro team following the 2006 season. This year, we have known Nate to be the most clutch kicker in the league, and his selection to the All-Pro team solidifies that statement. Nate converted 32 field goals out of 35 attempts this year, for a success rate of 91%. His three misses all came from further than 40 yards out. He made 3 of 4 attempts from further than 50 yards this season, with his longest being a 55-yard field goal against Kansas City. He currently holds the NFL record for highest Field Goal completion percentage at 87.5%, and is currently in the middle of his NFL record of 69 straight field goals from 40-yards-or-less.
Congratulations to Nate for a great season and this well-deserved honor!
Follow the jump to find out where other Chargers ended up.
While Nate was the only player selected to the first team, several Chargers were still mentioned: Tight End Antonio Gates was selected to the second team, as was Guard Kris Dielman.
Philip Rivers didn't make either team, as he finished third place in the voting, behind Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, respectively. Vincent Jackson was not mentioned at all, but with only two Wide Receivers being named to each team it's not hard to see why he was left off: Andre Johnson, Wes Welker, Reggie Wayne and Larry Fitzgerald all finished ahead of Vincent Jackson.
I just covered the Chargers, take a look at the full list of which players made each of the 2009 NFL All-Pro teams.