NEW ORLEANS — Corey Dillon was named Thursday to the AFC Pro Bowl team for the third consecutive year.

        Having been elected first alternate, Dillon will replace Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis, who withdrew because of a groin injury.

        Dillon will join Kansas City's Priest Holmes and the New York Jets' Curtis Martin as the AFC's running backs.

        Dillon is the only Bengals player to make the all-star game in the past two years. He and kickoff returner Tremain Mack were Pro Bowlers after the 1999 season.

        “Corey is highly deserving of this honor,” Bengals president Mike Brown said. “Although he may have gotten more publicity the previous two years, many of us believe this past season was the finest of his career. He helped our team in more ways then ever before.”

        Dillon rushed for 1,315 yards and had career highs in touchdowns (13), rushing attempts (340) and receptions (34). He also improved his blocking and played more on third down. He started all 16 games and has missed just two games in his five-year career.

        He could not be reached for comment.

        In his previous two Pro Bowls, Dillon rushed six times for 13 yards, caught three passes for 45 yards and returned two kickoffs for 57 yards.

        He is the 13th Bengals player to be selected for three or more Pro Bowls.

        The game will be Feb.9 in Honolulu.

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