- The NFL is reportedly considering doing what it should’ve done years ago by getting rid of the Pro Bowl for good
- The league is exploring potential ways to replace the game and fans have plenty of suggestions
- Read more football news here
In 1933, the best players in Major League Baseball descended upon Comiskey Park in Chicago for the first-ever “All-Star Game.” While that showcase was originally envisioned as a one-off exhibition, it instead became an annual tradition that was eventually adopted by a number of other leagues around the world of sports.
It doesn’t take a genius to understand the appeal of the fairly ingenious concept; a contest featuring a delegation of hypercompetitive athletes viewed as the cream of the crop in a league that’s already comprised of the most talented players on the planet has the potential to be an absolutely electric spectacle that essentially sells itself.
That theory may not necessarily be reflected in current practice, but most leagues still do a pretty good job when it comes to generating hype for their annual gatherings—with the very notable exception of the NFL.
It’s been more than 70 years since the league hosted the inaugural Pro Bowl in Los Angeles, and it’s safe to say it’s lost most of its luster over that span. That was reflected in the brutal television ratings the game generated when it was held earlier this year, which led to plenty of people once again pondering the existential issue that’s long plagued a game that doesn’t really seem to have any tangible raison d‘être.
Now, it appears the NFL has finally been forced to acknowledge that reality. According to Ian Rapoport, the league is focusing on potential improvements and weighing the possibility of eliminating the Pro Bowl entirely while attempting to figure out a suitable replacement to give its best players the opportunity to shine.
The NFL is discussing the Pro Bowl week and ways to improve it — including possibly eliminating the traditional game and using that Sunday to showcase the players in it. Essentially, what are the alternatives?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 24, 2022
Thankfully, the league will be able to draw some inspiration from fans who’ve had years to think about the many ways it could potentially improve on the current product.
I’d still love to see the NFL take a page out of the one-time MLB playbook by raising the stakes and having the worst two teams play for the top pick in the draft, but I can also get down with plenty of these suggestions.
NFL Field Day AFC vs NFC. Winning team splits $10 million. FG shootout. Tug of war. 40 yard dash competition. Dead lift. QB accuracy drill. I would absolutely watch. Cc @nflcommish
— Luke Russert (@LukeRussert) May 24, 2022
Just make it like that old TV show Battle of the Network Stars that had competitions between the 3 networks.
Obstacle courses, tug-o-war, relay races, etc. Those guys aren’t trying to get hurt playing football so an actual game will never work again.
— Rod Walker (@RodWalkerNola) May 24, 2022
Dear @NFL here are my ideas:
1 – Lawn darts but with punts
2 – H-O-R-S-E with kickers
3 – All the WRs and DBs play old school DDR
4 – OL have a BBQ competition
5 – QB cornhole
6 – LB and DL home run derby
7 – TE beer pong tourney https://t.co/AMVDH4Icyx— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) May 24, 2022
bring it back! pic.twitter.com/qmAzwB5OAp
— josh houtz (@houtz) May 24, 2022
two words. blazin’. challenge.
— Buffalo Wild Wings (@BWWings) May 24, 2022
There’s no telling what the NFL will ultimately opt for, but at least they have the advantage of knowing there’s literally nothing it can do capable of giving fans even less incentive to care.