The NFL announced yesterday that today's game will be aired live locally. League policy requires all games sell out 72 hours prior to kickoff in order for a live broadcast the local market. The NFL twice postponed the original deadline from Thursday to 11:30 a.m. yesterday with commissioner Roger Goodell calling a late push of ticket sales "encouraging."

However, as of yesterday afternoon, there were a limited number of tickets still available and the NFL announced the blackout was lifted in the expectation of a sellout.

According to a press release, some of the tickets were released back from players, coaches and their families.

A sellout would be the 30th consecutive for the game since it arrived in Honolulu in 1980.

The Pro Bowl will be played in Miami next season, but Goodell clearly wants to keep Hawai'i involved with the game.

"Discussions are ongoing here with officials from the state of Hawai'i," Goodell said. "We'd like to be back here on a rotating basis. We think that this is a great place for the game and we want to continue to have a presence here."

FANFEST A KICK

The AFC and NFC teams held their final practices yesterday during the Pro Bowl 'Ohana Day Celebration at Aloha Stadium.

Festivities began at 9 a.m. and included performances by the Pro Bowl cheerleaders, team mascots and video features. Fans were also chosen for a field-goal kicking contest and the NFL Network's Jamie Dukes, a 10-year league veteran, interviewed players from both teams, which was shown on two large screens for the crowd.

While interviewing Cardinals' quarterback Kurt Warner, Dukes asked the 10-year veteran if he would return next season. Warner dodged the question, but Cardinals' teammate Larry Fitzgerald interrupted him and roused the crowd into a "come back Kurt" chant.

"It was all in fun, he's got to do his business, but we certainly want him back," said Fitzgerald, whose father Larry Sr. is here covering the Pro Bowl as a journalist.

DOUBLE DUTY FOR NO. 52

There will be a few teammates in the same number in today's game, but most won't be on the field at the same time. One exception might be when the NFC is on defense. Second-year linebackers Jon Beason, of the Carolina Panthers, and Patrick Willis, of the San Francisco 49ers, both wear No. 52. Beason plays middle linebacker and Willis is an outside linebacker.

Despite their short careers, both have earned the respect of teammates this week.

Willis collected 141 tackles this season. He also had one sack, one interception and forced a fumble. In 2007, Willis made the Pro Bowl as a rookie after he posted 174 tackles, including 135 solo.

"Patrick Willis has been playing great for (the 49ers), he's everywhere, in every play," Redskins' fullback Mike Sellers said.

Beason recorded 138 tackles with three interceptions. He had 140 tackles as a rookie in 2007.

"Jon's a tremendously talented guy, got a lot of speed for a middle backer, can cover, he does it all," said Washington running back Clinton Portis.

The 49ers fired former coach Mike Nolan and made then-linebackers coach Mike Singletary the interim coach.

"I think it was a good decision. We trust in him and he knows what it takes, so hopefully we can turn it around next year," Willis said.

TOP PICKS REPRESENTED

The AFC squad will feature two of the most recent top overall choices in the NFL Draft in Texans defensive end Mario Williams and Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long.

Williams was the first pick in the 2006 draft, ahead of Saints' running back Reggie Bush. The selection was criticized by media and fans, but Williams has proved his worth the past two seasons. In 2007 he had 59 tackles, 14 sacks and defended a pass. This season, in making his first Pro Bowl, Williams recorded 53 tackles and 12 sacks.

"It's definitely gratifying. It's nothing like getting back at people or anything like that, but it's just one of those things that you come in such with a high name and you don't want to let yourself down," Williams said.

Long, the top pick in last year's draft, admits the week has been a humbling experience.

"It's pretty crazy, you know, being around all these superstars, the best in the league," said Long, who replaced Bills' tackle Jason Peters. "It's a real blessing to be here in my first season, this was a goal of mine."

KICKING OLD AGE

The oldest players in today's game are Giants kicker John Carney, who is 44, and punter Jeff Feagles, who is 42. Carney, a 20-year veteran making his second Pro Bowl, said their teammates haven't let them forget it.

"Yeah, the guys do get on us here and there, but we're usually off to the side during practice, so it's not too bad," Carney joked.

Sellers said he has a special name for Carney and Feagles, a 21-year veteran and two-time Pro Bowler.

"We call them coaches," Sellers said.

Portis added: "Feagles, he's been in the league like 20 years and I'm only 27, so he knows to stay away from me."