Pro Bowl to be Cancelled, a Simple Solution Remains
Adam Schefter reported this morning Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA head DeMaurice Smith will be talking about the possibility of axing the existence of the Pro Bowl game. Played since 1939, the Pro Bowl has been the most recognizable acknowledgement for players performance in a given year. Originally, the game was played between the league champs and a team made up of All-Star’s from the remaining teams. The format was later changed in 1970 to today’s conference match up. The problem in today’s game has been players using the trip to Honolulu as a paid vacation and reward for their play. This entitled attitude has led to lax play during the game in order to avoid injury since nothing is on the line for the players. Yes, there is a bit of a difference in pay for the winners versus the losers, but for guys earning millions of dollars, is $50,000 really worth a season ending career? While we can’t blame them for being concerned with their personal futures, the play has made a mockery of the game.
What if instead of a team match up, the NFL turned the Pro Bowl into a skills competition? All of the players are selected because of their skill at their position so pitting them against each other in position specific drills makes sense. A tiered pay structure to the winner would provide incentive to compete and the spotlight being on each individual would add incentive since nobody would want to fail under the spotlight. Injury would be avoided and the players could continue to have fun while showing off their natural talents. We would finally be able to see if Chris Johnson or Adrian Peterson is faster in the 40 yard dash. We could determine if Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, or Tom Brady is a more accurate quarterback in target drills. Which lineman can push the sled furthest? Think Ego won’t be a huge motivator as well? These guys will want to compete if for nothing else but bragging rights. Keeping the Pro Bowl as a “team” event allows players to take plays and the game off. Put the camera in their face and we will all see something much different. Plus, we the fans would have more enjoyment watching our favorite players outshine their rivals. Making the Pro Bowl a skills competition which moves from city to city along with the Super Bowl makes the most sense. It would increase revenue for the host city and continue to honor players for their performance. It’s time the NFL make the Pro Bowl something worth watching while keeping the integrity of America’s favorite sport.
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