NFC coach Sean Payton kept his promise to retiring New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, who was playing his final game.

"Sean (Payton) told me he'd get me one (touchdown)," said Barber, who had four carries for nine yards on the drive. "He kept calling my number and I was fortunate enough to get in."

Barber carried seven times for four yards and scored the game's first touchdown on a 1-yard plunge early in the second quarter, capping a nine-play, 63-yard drive that took four minutes and 20 seconds.

Barber was intercepted on his only pass attempt of the game, a halfback option intended for Green Bay's Donald Driver that Baltimore's Ed Reed picked off.

A three-time Pro Bowler, Barber rushed for 1,662 yards last season, including a Giants' record 234 yards against Washington in his final regular-season game. For his career, Barber has rushed for 10,449 yards and 55 touchdowns and caught 586 passes for 5,183 yards, including 12 scoring receptions.

"I've been preparing for this," said the 10-year pro out of Virginia. "It's been exciting, but I'm also excited about what's to come."

The NFL played a video tribute to Barber on the JumboTron at the two-minute warning and the crowd responded with a standing ovation.

HOMECOMING FOR EX-WARRIOR MCBRIAR

Dallas' Mat McBriar made his much publicized return to Aloha Stadium yesterday in his first Pro Bowl and the NFC made sure there was work for the former University of Hawai'i punter.

McBriar, who led the league with a 48.2 yard average last season, punted four times for a 51 yard average.

"It's been awesome," said the Melbourne, Australia-native of his trip back to his "second home."

McBriar, who had the longest kick in the NFL this season (75 yards), improved his average nearly six yards per punt since the 2005-2006 season.

"I've had a blast, visiting teammates and friends," said the third-year pro. "It's been kind of nostalgic, you know, being on the same sidelines (as UH) and locker room."

McBriar is excited for his fourth year in Dallas, which hired former San Diego defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to replace the retired Bill Parcells.

"We've got a great team; we were just a little inconsistent," he said. "When we're clicking on all cylinders, we can be one of the dangerous teams (in the NFL)."

RAVENS' THOMAS GETS 'SCOOP AND SCORE'

Baltimore outside linebacker Adalius Thomas scored on a 70-yard fumble return in the second quarter. It was the second longest fumble return in Pro Bowl history behind an 83-yard return for a touchdown by Kansas City's Art Still in 1985.

On the play, NFC quarterback Marc Bulger lost his grip on the football, and as the ball was falling out of his hand, he knocked the ball forward. Thomas picked it up and rumbled untouched for the score.

"It feels great," Thomas said. "More importantly we got the win, and it stopped them from going in for a score. I was in coverage ... I got a lucky bounce. It's a 'Scoop and Score' is what we call it.

"I wasn't running full speed at all," said Thomas of his return. "Come on now, I'm faster than that. I started out with a good 15, 20 yards, and when I looked back, all the people on the sidelines were telling me to keep running."

TAYLOR, MERRIMAN CO-EXIST, BUT NO MAI TAI

Miami defensive end Jason Taylor and San Diego outside linebacker Shawne Merriman played together in the Pro Bowl for the first time since Taylor's comments on Merriman's steroid-related suspension.

"It was cool," Taylor said of playing with Merriman. "I was glad to be on his team. He's a player that I have a lot of respect for. He's a good player in this league, and he will be that way for a long time."

Taylor, the NFL defensive player of the year, said he didn't get to drink mai tais with Merriman, but that's OK.

"I didn't get a chance to drink with him, I was hanging out with my wife all week instead of hanging out with the guys," Taylor said. "Everything is copacetic (with Merriman and himself)."

SUGGS MAKES 'FOOTBALL' HIT ON QB BREES

Baltimore outside linebacker Terrell Suggs said he hoped NFC quarterback Drew Brees could heal quickly from his dislocated left elbow. Brees landed awkwardly after Suggs tackled him in the first quarter.

"I was the one who tackled him, but I hit him on his legs." Suggs said. "I just hope he's all right. It's a very unfortunate play, especially in an all-star game because you don't want anyone to get hurt. I hope he can bounce back quickly.

"It's football, and things happen between the whistles," Suggs continued. "I was already falling and I just happened to hit him, and he just fell wrong. I didn't touch his arm."

'AIEA COACH SAY HONORED BEFORE GAME

'Aiea High School football coach Wendell Say was honored prior to yesterday's Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium.

Say was the recipient of the 2007 Pro Bowl Hawai'i High School Coach of the Year.

Say, who just completed his 15th season at 'Aiea, is 81-67-1. 'Aiea has advanced to the post-season nine times, and won the 2003 Division II state championship.

Also honored prior to the game were two player representatives each from Division I state champion Kahuku (Sifa Heimuli, Kaniela Tuipulotu) and Division II state champion King Kekaulike (Randen Abafo, Shannon Kamakaokalani).

Hawai'i High School Athletic Association executive director Keith Amemiya was also on hand for the award ceremony.

NOTES

The NFL yesterday honored its Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2007. They are Michael Irvin, Bruce Matthews, Charlie Sanders, Thurman Thomas, Roger Wehrli and Gene Hickerson. The players were honored before the game.

Reach Kalani Takase at ktakase@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.