Polk County standouts return home for Pro Bowl

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 13) - Like the good old days, Maurkice and Mike Pouncey walked over to the practice field together. 

Even though Maurkice is Steeler and Mike a Charger these days, the two brothers are playing for the same team this weekend in the Pro Bowl. 

"It's a great feeling," explained Maurkice. "Especially that we're so close to home, and our family and kids and all the guys we grew up with get to come watch us play. It's just another memory that we can put in the bank for ourselves." 

The Lakeland High School products and former Gators are sharing the spot at center on the AFC team. Between both of them, they have 11 Pro Bowls. 

"It's awesome," said Mike. "We enjoy playing with each other. We played with each other our whole lives. Growing up, little league football all the way through college. To be able to share this moment one more time again, at the back end of our careers, it's a great feeling." 

Polk County is well-represented at the Pro Bowl, which will be played Sunday at Camping World Stadium. Not only are the Pouncey twins playing on the AFC squad, but so is Derwin James. The former Florida State standout was named first team all-Pro. 

"That was one of my goals I had for myself coming into the season," said James.

A Haines City native, James led the Chargers with 105 tackles in his rookie year with the Chargers. After a whirlwind of a season, he's back home where his career all began. 

"It's very special," said James. "My whole family will be out there at the game, it's going to be very special."