Associated Press
KAPOLEI, Hawaii ó Everyone was all smiles Friday as they wore purple orchid leis, mingled with hula girls and took team Pro Bowl photos.
That included the Arizona Cardinals, who feel as though they’re finally getting what they deserve.
“It’s the first time we’re being respected as a team,” said receiver Anquan Boldin, making his third trip to Hawaii. “Individually, I’ve been getting respect for a number of years, but to see our team get the respect is gratifying.”
The longtime NFL doormats were doubted during the regular season, then finished 9-7 and limped into the playoffs, where they were underdogs all the way to the Super Bowl. Now, they’re the ones who are basking in the Hawaiian sunshine, earning pats on their backs from their Pro Bowl peers ó even after a 27-23 loss to Pittsburgh.
“Everybody has a great deal of respect for them now for what they’ve accomplished and for the road they had to go through to get to the Super Bowl,” Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Farrior said.
Boldin said all the praise from their fellow all-stars means the most.
“Those are the guys that see you week in and week out,” Boldin said. “Those guys are the ones you compete against and watch you on film. So they’re the only opinions that matter.”