Let’s be honest about the Pro Bowl: Very few people enjoy it. Most of the players who decide to participate are either flattered that they were chosen or simply feel like going to Hawaii. The game itself is nothing more than a technicality, and that is reflected in the quality of play. Despite recent rumors that the Pro Bowl is headed for extinction, the NFL has announced it will once again be played in Hawaii in 2013. Here’s why:
“The players have made it clear through the NFL Players Association that they would like the opportunity to continue to play the Pro Bowl in Hawaii,” NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Ray Anderson said in a joint release from the NFL and NFLPA. “We will support the players on this initiative to improve the Pro Bowl. We have had many discussions with the players in recent years about the Pro Bowl and they recognize that the quality of the game has not been up to NFL standards. We look forward to working with the players toward the goal of improving the competitiveness of this season’s game.”
And the players’ perspective:
“The players believe that the Pro Bowl is an important tradition,” NFLPA President Domonique Foxworth said. “We worked hard with the league to make sure the best players in the NFL are honored for their achievements on the field.”
In other words, the game is staying because the players have agreed to try harder to make it a better show. Anyone buying that? Me neither.
Photo credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE
