The Pro Bowl is a sort of all-star game for NFL players across the country, where two honorary Hall of Fame captains take turns picking the best players in the league for their teams.
There have been arguments as to whether or not the NFL should just cut the game entirely. With lack of intensity due to risk of injury, the game doesn’t hold as much excitement, causing it to lose fans. It doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon, though, so they might as well make it interesting once again.
Players who are chosen can decide to opt out, due to injury or just a busy schedule. What needs to be realized is that if a player is not going to actually put effort forward during the Pro Bowl game, he needs to opt out to begin with. That’s why many do not enjoy watching the game – if a player isn’t into the game, why should fans be?
The fear of injury is always there – football is a contact sport. The men knew this when they originally started playing as kids and they still know it now, yet they’re still playing. If someone is afraid to get hurt, even after his regular or postseason is over, he just shouldn’t play in the Pro Bowl.
With the NFC- and AFC-exclusive teams gone, the game should be more fun for the players. They get to play against actual teammates and play alongside rivals for once.
Take a look at the Green Bay Packers’ Jordy Nelson and Clay Matthews. During Sunday night’s game, Nelson was on Team Carter, while Matthews was on Team Irvin. Although they were on separate teams for the night, it didn’t stop them from celebrating together after Nelson’s 21-yard touchdown grab. They’re teammates at heart, and it’s the love of the game that had them trying throughout the Pro Bowl.
The NFL invited each individual due to his talent, but if he doesn’t put forth the effort and show that talent on the field, then what was the point in being invited? Players who actually want to play because of their love for the game should be chosen, because those are the players who will make the game fun and interesting to watch again.
