Former NC State quarterback Russell Wilson and offensive lineman Joe Thuney were both named The Associated Press second-team NFL All-Pro on Friday.
The duo are the first former NC State players to earn All-Pro honors since Mario Williams achieved the honor in 2014 for the Buffalo Bills.
The last time two former NCSU players earned the feat was when the late Vaughan Johnson of the New Orleans Saints was voted at linebacker and wide receiver Haywood Jeffires accomplished the honor for the Houston Oilers in 1992.
Wilson finished behind Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who earned 47 votes and Wilson had three. Wilson went 341-of-516 passing for 4,110 yards, 31 touchdowns and five interceptions in leading the Seahawks to a 11-5 mark. He also rushed 75 times for 342 times and three touchdowns.
Thuney also had three votes, which tied him for second-team left guard with Joel Bitonio of the Cleveland Browns. Quenton Nelson of the Indianapolis Colts grabbed 44 of the votes. Thuney played an integral role in helping the Patriots finish 12-4 in the regular season. New England passed for 4,1543 yards and 25 touchdowns, and were sacked 28 times. The rushing attack finished with 1,703 yards for 3.8 yards per carry and 17 scores.
Former NC State running back and return man Nyheim Hines finished third in voting at punt returner, picking up four votes. Hines had nine punt returns for an average of 31.2 yards with two touchdowns, which both occurred against the Carolina Panthers.
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