Eli Manning named to 2016 Pro Bowl in place of Ben Roethlisberger

Eli Manning will replace Pittsburgh Steelers veteran Ben Roethlisberger and join team-mate Odell Beckham Jr as the New York Giants' representatives in the 2016 Pro Bowl, the NFL announced on Friday.

Manning will play in his third all-star game after being selected in 2008, 2011 and 2012; he was unable to play in 2011 because the Giants played in Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots.

It proved to be worth missing, though, as Manning helped New York defeat New England and was named Super Bowl MVP for the second time in his 12-year career.

Manning boasted an impressive campaign this season, finishing with 4,436 passing yards, his second highest total, and a career-high 35 touchdowns, the second best in Giants history.

He also set franchise records with 618 pass attempts and 387 completions while throwing just 14 interceptions.

Meanwhile, Roethlisberger will begin his off-season recovery after his play-off hopes were shattered with Pittsburgh's loss to the Denver Broncos in last Sunday's AFC divisional game.

He led the injury-riddled Steelers to a remarkable post-season run as he battled a number of health issues of his own throughout the season. Fortunately for him, his off-season rehabilitation will be limited to vigorous physical therapy and will not include surgery.

The Pro Bowl is set to kick off in Honolulu's Aloha Stadium at on January 31.