Jan. 19--Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett will have to change his weekend plans.
On Monday, Bennett was informed that he had been selected to play in the Pro Bowl, chosen as a replacement to supplant Rob Gronkowski in the league's all-star exhibition. Gronkowski, one of four tight ends selected to the contest last month, will be heading to the Super Bowl, which opens the door for Bennett to grab his first Pro Bowl invitation.
Bennett enjoyed a career season during the Bears' otherwise dismal 2014 season, catching a career-best 90 balls to lead all NFL tight ends. He also set a new franchise single-season record for receptions by a tight end. Bennett turned those 90 catches into 916 yards and six touchdowns and will become the first Bears tight end to play in the Pro Bowl since Mike Ditka did so following the 1965 season.
Right guard Kyle Long is the only other Bears player headed for the Pro Bowl, which will be played Sunday in Glendale, Ariz.
