![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/goodell-nfl-pro-bowl.png?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/goodell-nfl-pro-bowl.png?width=600)
Guess what’s just around the corner? The NFL Pro Bowl! Wait, where are the excitement and cheers? Surprisingly, the Pro Bowl isn’t as popular as its concept suggests. Picture this: a showcase of contests where the crème de la crème players face off against each other. Fans constantly debate why their players are the absolute best. What better stage to settle the score than the Pro Bowl?
You’d think that any player making it to the Pro Bowl would feel deeply honored, right? They’ve earned the title of the “best of the best.” However, reality paints a different picture. It’s more of a ceremonial thing now. There are several reasons why both players and fans aren’t exactly thrilled about the Pro Bowl.
Why players don’t like the NFL Pro Bowl
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
No matter how hard Roger Goodell tries to sell the Pro Bowl, it just isn’t working. Well, the main buzzkill is the fear of injuries. Which player wants to hurt himself in a so-called “fun” game? It turns what could be an exciting showdown into a cautious and dull affair. Sure, players can get injured doing everyday stuff. But the risk seems to spike when they’re out there on the Pro Bowl field. So, they’ve tinkered with the rules to make it less of an injury minefield.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-04-28T015430Z_2110581055_MT1USATODAY20552513_RTRMADP_3_NFL-NFL-DRAFT.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell looks on after Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter (not pictured) was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles ninth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Now, let’s talk about the other All-Star events. The NBA’s got the All-Star Weekend. MLB’s got the All-Star Game. But what about the Pro Bowl? Any groundbreaking contests there? Nope, not really. The Pro Bowl has some contests. But let’s be real, they’re pretty forgettable. “Precision Passing”, “Closest to the Pin”, and “Snap Shots” don’t exactly sound like they can give you an adrenaline rush. Maybe it’s time for the NFL to put on its thinking cap.
Imagine if they came up with a killer pre-game event. Something that gets the fans pumped up. How about they toss around a few ideas and let the fans have a say? Speaking of fans, why do they not watch the Pro Bowl?
Why are fans nonchalant about the Pro Bowl?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Sure, it’s a nod to the players who rocked the season. But beyond that, not much is at stake. Except for a bit more cash for the winners. MLB’s All-Star Game? Well, they know how to get fans invested. The winning side grabs home-field advantage in the World Series. Now, if the NFL could spice up the Pro Bowl, it might just get fans more interested.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-11-01T042726Z_955950791_MT1USATODAY17071656_RTRMADP_3_MLB-WORLD-SERIES-HOUSTON-ASTROS-AT-ATLANTA-BRAVES.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 31, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; (From left to right) Atlanta Braves center fielder Adam Duvall, starting pitcher Ian Anderson (36), right fielder Joc Pederson (22), third baseman Austin Riley (27), and shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) in the dugout during the ninth inning of game five of the 2021 World Series against the Houston Astros at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Not many are eagerly counting down the days till the game. But the Super Bowl? That’s the main event everyone’s gearing up for. So, if you miss the Pro Bowl, who’s losing sleep over it? But maybe the situation could still be fixed. What if it followed the Super Bowl by a couple of weeks? NFL fans would get a double dose of football in February. After the high of the Super Bowl has passed, they can still look forward to the Pro Bowl.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, for those fans who are still going to watch, the games will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 1, and 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 4.
Watch This Story: “Be an Example”: Jalen Hurts Reveals His Role in ‘Difficult’ Locker Room Conversations
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT