Patrick DiMarco says his Pro Bowl experience was "awesome"

Atlanta Falcons fullback Patrick DiMarco is coming off of a solid season that culminated in a trip to the Pro Bowl. While interacting with fans at Garrett's Popcorn at the Mall of Georgia, DiMarco took a few minutes to talk with The Falcoholic about his Pro Bowl experience.

DiMarco was widely recognized this season for his proficiency as a blocker, and he had a lot to do with Devonta Freeman's emergence early in the season. He also contributed 110 receiving yards to Atlanta's offensive efforts this season. His best game by far came in Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts, when DiMarco had three receptions for 21 yards and two touchdowns.

Despite being one of the best fullbacks in the league, DiMarco ended up being an alternate for the Pro Bowl. He was added to the roster after the Carolina Panthers punched their ticket to the Super Bowl, making Mike Tolbert unavailable.

DiMarco said the Pro Bowl was a fun experience.

"It was awesome," DiMarco said. "It was — the weather couldn't be any better. It was 84 degrees and sunny. Just such a great experience to go represent the Falcons out there with me, Truant, Free and Julio. It was just awesome."

Devonta Freeman, who was also named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career, was also a Pro Bowl captain. All of the Falcons in the Pro Bowl -- DiMarco, Freeman, Julio Jones and Desmond Trufant -- ended up on Team Irvin.

DiMarco thought Freeman probably used his status as a captain, which carried the responsibility of helping select his teammates, to make that happen.

"That was another perk of it, and I think Devonta had a little to do with that," DiMarco said. "He texted me right before I got out there and he said, "Pat, I'm out here. I'm not doing it without you, so I'm going to make sure you get picked." So it was really cool to play with them."

DiMarco had three carries in the Pro Bowl for 15 yards. Only Latavius Murray, Freeman and Todd Gurley had more Pro Bowl yards than DiMarco.