By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

The Steelers are sending five players to Hawaii as a part of the AFC Pro Bowl squad, including two starters.

Guard Alan Faneca and linebacker James Harrison, a first-time selection, were voted in as starters. Joining them will be another first-time selection in quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, along with safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Parker.

“I am happy, excited,” said Harrison, who has never been to Hawaii. “I am as happy as a kid in a candy store. I really don’t’ have the words to describe the all-around feeling.”

Roethlisberger is third in the AFC and fourth in the NFL with a 100.5 passer rating and has thrown a team-record 29 touchdowns this year.

"It's a tremendous honor,'' said Roethlisberger. "It's kind of a unit honor. I would like to take the award on behalf of the offense, especially my offensive line. It's always a goal to be recognized as one of the best, but not my biggest goal.”

While it’s exciting for the new guys, it never becomes old hat for the players who have been there before.

”It means a lot to me,” said Faneca, who will be playing in his seventh consecutive Pro Bowl. “A lot of times guys ask if it gets old. It’s a valid question. Some guys never go or say they don’t feel like going this year. I understand that but I don’t feel that way. It’s a huge honor that I accept. Offensive linemen we don’t get sacks or touchdowns. We take honor in what we help other guys get accomplished. To get named to that by the people that name you to that means a lot to me.”

Parker, who leads the NFL in rushing, is enjoying his second Pro Bowl selection while Polamalu is going for the fourth straight time.