Last modified: Thursday, December 21, 2006 1:01 AM EST Richard Seymour (left) was the only member of the Patriots named to the Pro Bowl team. (Staff photo by KEITH NORDSTROM) Seymour humbled by Pro Bowl selection BY MARK FARINELLA SUN CHRONICLE STAFF FOXBORO - It's been five times, but the thrill is still there for Richard Seymour when the phone rings and the caller at the other end tells him he has a trip to Honolulu in the works for February. But he'd prefer to be going to Miami first. "Nothing's better than going to Hawaii coming off a Super Bowl victory," the Patriots' defensive end said Wednesday. "I've experienced three of those, and the respect that you get from the other guys that are over there … the ultimate goal is wanting a Super Bowl ring on your finger. "That's what we can still accomplish in this locker room," he added of the Patriots' aspirations to play in Super Bowl XLI in Miami. "That's what the most important thing is. That's one of the reasons why we strap it on, because it isn't about our postseason checks, it's about winning a championship." Seymour was named to his fifth Pro Bowl Tuesday, the only Patriot so named this season. He didn't play in last year's game because of injuries, but the honor is the selection, he said. "It's still humbling for me at this point," he said. "In this league, you never can take anything for granted, so I'm definitely thankful to be in the position that I'm in. I've always said that I've had a blessed start to my career, and hopefully I can continue that for the next five years." Seymour was quick to offer praise to the coaching staff and his teammates, and said it was very unfortunate that a few of them weren't also recognized by the voters who determined this year's Pro Bowl teams. "It's always an honor to go, but it's even better when you have your teammates over with you," he said. "I remember looking back over the years when it was maybe five or six guys, but I was surprised it wasn't just the usual two. But you accept it and you move forward … we're still fighting at this point." Seymour spoke specifically of linemate Ty Warren, who is second to Tedy Bruschi on the team in tackles and is universally regarded as the Patriot most likely to feel snubbed by the exclusion. "He's definitely had a great year," Seymour said. "He continues to excel from his first year to now. I think he's going up the ladder. "That's what you need if you are going to be successful in this league and are going to continue playing on in the postseason," he added. "You need more than one guy … one guy isn't going to get it done. You aren't going to get to your goals if it's just one guy." In an era when so many players opt out of their Pro Bowl experience, Seymour has missed the trip only once - last season, when late-season injuries needed time to heal after the Patriots were bounced from the playoffs in Denver. He hasn't been playing at 100 percent this year, having suffered a hyperextended elbow that kept him from starting the Minnesota game, although he did participate in it. Seymour also alluded to other sorenesses, but he made it clear that they wouldn't impede him for as long as the Patriots are playing games that count. "There's been a question of, you know, 'should you play,' and when those types of things are in question, it's just knowing that you have the same kind of work ethic and are still trying to go out and give it 110 percent," he said. "I've been pretty banged up this season, but I'm seeing myself going up the ladder as the season is moving forward, and that's a good thing." That sort of example is what probably keeps getting Seymour noticed by his peers around the NFL. "You can't vote yourself in," he said. "It's an honor and accomplishment that is recognized by the fans and by the players that you play against and the coaches that you play against. From that standpoint, it's the respect factor from your teammates and from the guys that you play against … that's where it's always satisfying to know that you have their respect." MARK FARINELLA may be reached at 508-236-0315 or via e-mail at mfarinel@thesunchronicle.com