via Reuters
FILE PHOTO: The NFL logo is pictured at an event in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., November 30, 2017. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri
via Reuters
FILE PHOTO: The NFL logo is pictured at an event in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., November 30, 2017. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri
After months of speculation, the NFL has actually made a drastic change in the Pro Bowl format. Instead of the usual schedule, week-long skill games and a ‘flag football game’ will be taking place.
The Pro Bowl is no more 👀
Do you like the new move? pic.twitter.com/KSVYH5XoCx
— PFF (@PFF) September 26, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The NFL will not be moving forward with its ‘Pro Bowl’ week from this season. To make the week more interesting and enjoyable for the fans and the players, the league has decided to shift to a new format. This upcoming season will see a week-long lineup of skill competitions and then a ‘Flag Football’ game on Sunday to conclude the event. The news came out from Rob Maaddi from the AP.
Now the fans have flooded the internet with their feelings about the change. Some fans feel it was a long time coming and is definitely the right move.
About time. What a waste of time that was
— Will Sepulveda (@sepulveda_will) September 26, 2022
Kind of was two-hand-touch already. Flag football is the right move.
— Fantasy Koala 🐨 (@Paddex21) September 26, 2022
I'm as big of a NFL fan there is and I have never gave a shit about the probowl. I have however always liked the skills competitions they used to have! Those were always awesome.
— Andy Bittner (@andy_bittner) September 26, 2022
Even though there has been a steady increase in the number of skill competitions during the Pro Bowl week, there has been an effort to make the spectacle more watcher friendly. Even last year, the week leading to the Super Bowl saw the addition of the best catch competition. Both AFC and NFC wide receivers took part in the game.
Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs represented the AFC while Justin Jefferson and cornerback Trevon Diggs represented the NFC. Both these pairs took turns creating catches using props and mixing different styles. It was a fun little segment for the fans and now we can look forward to more of it. And, even though Trevon Diggs is a cornerback, the NFC still won from sheer brilliance from the two.
Fans react to changes in the Pro Bowl
The return of skill competition is making many fans excited to see their favorite players step out of their element.
If there are QBs throwing footballs into baskets mounted to golf carts, I'm in! pic.twitter.com/N9Sigs7x6O
— BillsVHS📼 (@BillsVhs) September 26, 2022
The skills competitions were always the best part of pro bowl week back in the day. This is great news
— Brock Kraft (@brockkraft) September 26, 2022
However, not every fan shares the same sentiment. Some disapprove of the new format, saying that the inclusion of Flag Football is just a letdown for the actual sport.
One fan wrote, “…A skills combine and flag football? Are they wanting even less viewership?”
The Pro Bowl should have been done with cash bonuses, draft incentives, and contract perks so that way the players had an actual stake in the game.
Honestly it should just be done away with. A skills combine and flag football? Are they wanting even less viewership?— Kasey: is on the mend. (@KaseytheAuthor) September 26, 2022
Skill competition: yes
Flag football: hell no!
Honour the athletes. Test them to see who’s the best. But, if they aren’t playing actual football… forget the game. Not that the actual game was competitive.
— Dave 🇨🇦 (@cdave_1976) September 26, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Peyton Manning’s contribution to the week
Peyton Manning will assume a central role in the planning and execution of the new Pro Bowl Game. He will be coaching the flag football game. And with his company, Omaha Productions, he will help in the programming and promotion of all the events scheduled in the week. The retired quarterback expressed his gratitude by saying, “I’m thankful I can continue to be part of the week.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It is certainly a positive when former players are finding ways to contribute even after they step off the field. Here’s to hoping that the NFL can actually pull it off and please the fans who just want an exciting celebration of the sport they cherish so much. Are you excited?
Watch This Story: “That’s a bold choice by Tom Brady” married to a fashion icon, the 45-year-old backward hats gets a hilarious reaction from legendary NFL insider
