IRVING – Jay Ratliff, a tight end at the start of his collegiate career, joined the ranks of elite NFL defensive linemen Thursday.
Ratliff and Cowboys defensive teammate DeMarcus Ware, the pass-rushing outside linebacker, were named first team All Pro in media voting conducted by The Associated Press. It marked the first time the Cowboys' defense has had multiple first-team selections since 1996, when cornerback Deion Sanders and safety Darren Woodson were honored.
This was Ware's third selection. He was delighted to receive the recognition in what has been an injury-plagued season but was more pleased for Ratliff.
"I'm really happy for Jay," Ware said. "He deserves it. From where he came from to making the Pro Bowl and now All Pro, it lets everybody know he has arrived."
Ratliff, a seventh-round draft choice from Auburn in 2005, performs double duty on defense. In the three-man front, he lines up as a nose tackle and usually takes on double-team blocks. In the four-man front, Ratliff moves to a tackle spot to rush the passer. He tied for third in the league for sacks by tackles with six.
"It's a blessing, and I thank God for it," said Ratliff, who also praised position coach Todd Grantham and his teammates. "But there's still a lot of work to."
Five other Cowboys received votes, with Andre Gurode finishing second among centers. The others were tight end Jason Witten, wide receiver Miles Austin, offensive guard Leonard Davis and outside linebacker Anthony Spencer.
By GERRY FRALEY / The Dallas Morning News
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