The NFL Pro Bowl has swapped out the format, going from a one-off All-Star game to some odd collection of events. This move boasts the same fanfare as the Kids in the Hall reboot. A few people either really liked or hated it, but most were seemingly totally indifferent.
Look, I’ll never understand why the NFL insists on the Pro Bowl being a thing. There was a purpose for the contest back in the day. However, its usefulness has long since passed. Seriously, we lose ESPN Streak For The Cash but somehow can’t pull the plug on the Pro Bowl? That’s a shame.
Anyway, there are two reasons why no one will ever care about the NFL Pro Bowl again. These both involve common sense thinking, although Rodger Goodell is unable to get either through his thick skull.
Related: Can we please stop complaining about All-Star games?
1) Everyone sees all the best players during the season
The proliferation of fantasy football means nothing happens in the NFL without fans knowing. Stars can’t hide under the radar when you add the previous fact to RedZone and wall-to-wall highlights currently available. One of the biggest draws of the NBA, NHL and MLB All-Star Games are seeing good players you have not had a chance to watch due to the size and scope of those league’s schedules.
In that case, the Pro Bowl is sold as a best versus best matchup between two conferences where no rivalry exists. Once upon a time, AFC against NFC was a thing, but the NFL has gerrymandered the schedule to ensure conferences are fairly meaningless. Having two legends pick the sides schoolyard-style did not improve the game.
But if we have already seen these players during the regular season and the Pro Bowl itself has no stakes, why does anyone need to watch it?
2) There is no monotony to break up
The reason baseball, basketball and hockey have All-Star games is to breakup their monotonous seasons. It breaks up a grind that can wear on fans and players alike. There is a urning for something different in a sea of the same.
Football does not have this problem. It’s why the NFL Pro Bowl is held at the end of the season. Fans aren’t looking forward to the game, nor are players. The former group is sad football is almost over, and the latter are tired and would rather be on vacation after a grueling year. This shows in the widespread apathy that surrounds the contest annually.
The NFL can switch the format, location or any other details, but an important fact remains. No one will ever care about the Pro Bowl again because of the two reasons we just listed.
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