In years past, the beauty of watching the NFL Pro Bowl was watching the best players in the league face off against each. It’s what makes the MLB All-Star game so special, you get to see the best players in the game compete.
The original Pro Bowl game will no longer exist. The NFL is replacing the All-Star game with a weeklong skills competition and a flag football game.
“We think there’s a real opportunity to do something wholly different here and move away from the traditional tackle football game,” NFL executive Peter O’Reilly told Maaddi. “We decided the goal is to celebrate 88 of the biggest stars in the NFL in a really positive, fun, yet competitive way.”
Peyton Manning, along with his production company, is planning on shaping the events throughout the week.
“The Pro Bowl has always been a time to step back and celebrate the game of football with teammates, fans and family,” Manning said. “I’m thankful I can continue to be part of the week as all of us at Omaha Productions work with the NFL to reimagine The Pro Bowl Games. Making Sunday’s game a flag football game is great to see.”
The Pro Bowl started in 1951, but in recent years fans and players lost interest. Often players would hold back in an attempt to lessen the risk of injury.
Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated has suggested the league is getting rid of the Pro Bowl because the game has “become a little embarrassing for the league.”
Of the major sports, the NFL’s All-star game is a bit of a joke.
The NFL has tried everything to try and create some buzz during the Pro Bowl and even included a dodgeball game, throwing competitions, and a 40-yard dash.
Last year the Pro Bowl saw the lowest ratings since 2006.
