Derrick Brown led the NFL’s defensive linemen in tackles during the 2023 season, and now the former Auburn All-American is going to the Pro Bowl Games.

The Carolina Panthers announced on Friday that Brown, as the first alternate in the selection process, would replace Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams at defensive tackle on the NFC roster for the Pro Bowl Games. Donald will not participate because of an injury.

Donald, Javon Hargrave of the San Francisco 49ers and Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants were chosen as the defensive interior linemen for the NFC this season.

Brown recorded 103 tackles in 17 games this season – 11 more than any other NFL defensive lineman had in 2023. Since tackles became an official statistic in 2001, Brown had five more than any other defensive tackle had recorded in one season.

Brown also had two sacks, seven tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hits, one interception and five pass break-ups during his fourth NFL season.

Nine players from Alabama high schools and colleges were originally selected as Pro Bowl Games all-stars for the NFL’s 2023 season:

· Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Josh Allen (Abbeville)

· Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (Alabama)

· Philadelphia Eagles guard Landon Dickerson (Alabama)

· Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama)

· Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (Alabama)

· Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (West Alabama)

· Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II (Alabama)

· Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)

· New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (Wenonah, Alabama)

Last season, the NFL eliminated the Pro Bowl game and replaced it with the Pro Bowl Games, a skills competition and flag-football contest for the selected players.

The 7-on-7 flag football game featuring the Pro Bowl players will be held on Feb. 4 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, as the culmination of a multi-day AFC vs. NFC competition in which all-stars will demonstrate their football and non-football skills in a variety of events.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.