Chargers offensive tackle Marcus McNeill had another Pro Bowl season, but he had to wait a little longer to learn that he will receive a February vacation in Hawaii courtesy of the NFL.

McNeill, who was originally chosen as a second alternate to next weekend’s NFL All Star game, was notified Tuesday that he will play in the Pro Bowl.

“Thankfully I hadn’t gone back home to Atlanta yet this year like I did last year,” McNeill said. “I’ll only have a five-hour flight (to Hawaii) instead of a 13-hour trip. I’m just happy I get to get on that plane this weekend.”

McNeill will join the Chargers’ coaching staff and eight of his teammates in Hawaii next week. Norv Turner and his staff will coach the AFC squad, which features Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, fullback Lorenzo Neal, tight end Antonio Gates, guard Kris Dielman, linebacker Shawne Merriman, cornerback Antonio Cromartie, defensive tackle Jamal Williams and special teams ace Kassim Osgood. Injuries to Tomlinson and Gates potentially could keep them out of the game.

“Kris Dielman was the first person that I called when I found out I was going,” McNeill said. “Finally I’m the veteran on Kris since this is his first Pro Bowl. I’m going to show him the ropes.”

Following a stellar rookie season, McNeill was a first alternate for the 2007 Pro Bowl and earned a trip to Hawaii after Bengals tackle Willie Anderson was unable to participate. This season, Bills tackle Jason Peters suffered a knee injury and was replaced by Browns rookie Joe Thomas, the third overall pick in last April’s NFL Draft. When news came Tuesday that Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden will not participate, McNeill learned that he’ll play in his second Pro Bowl in as many NFL seasons.

“It was a real treat for me to go to the Pro Bowl as a rookie last year and I’m glad I’ll get to have the experience again,” McNeill said. “It was a great experience for me to see all the best players in the NFL and get to play with them. It’s also another chance to get my parents to Hawaii and they certainly appreciate that.”

The Pro Bowl will be played Sunday, February 10 and will be televised on Fox.

Nine sign

The Chargers announced the signing of nine players to 2008 contracts. Guard Erik Robertson, linebackers Antwan Applewhite and Terna Nande, defensive ends Andre Coleman and Keith Grennan, running back Eldra Buckley, defensive tackle Keith Jackson, offensive tackle Tony Pape and safety Tra Battle all reached agreements with the club.

Robertson was with the Chargers in training camp last season but suffered a foot injury. The other eight players finished the 2007 campaign on the Bolts’ practice squad.

Read more at www.chargers.com