Quarterback Peyton Manning leads a list of four Denver Broncos who have been named to the AFC team for the upcoming Pro Bowl.

Manning missed all of the 2011 season with neck and back problems that required several operations. He then signed with Denver as a free agent and has led the Broncos on a 10-game winning streak to take the AFC West.

Defensive end Elvis Dumervil, linebacker Von Miller, cornerback Champ Bailey and tackle Ryan Clady are theBroncos‘ other Pro Bowl players.

Another comeback player of the year candidate to earn a Pro Bowl nod is Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson, who tore up his left knee on Christmas Eve last year. He’s currently the NFL’s leading rusher and needs 208 yards in the Vikings’ season finale to break Eric Dickerson’s league record.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is one of two rookies named to the Pro Bowl, with Minnesota kicker Blair Walsh being the other.

San Francisco had the most players selected, nine, including six from its second-ranked defense. Houston was next with eight, six on offense.

Other notables include New England quarterback Tom Brady, Green Bay signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, Detroit receiver Calvin Johnson, 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith and Houston defensive end J.J. Watt.

The Pro Bowl will be played in Honolulu on Jan. 27.