Roger Goodell indicated in the State of the League address that the current Pro Bowl format should go.
The Pro Bowl has been a joke for a while now. This year’s in particular saw over 36 replacements due to players competing in the Super Bowl or to “injury.” The “No Fun League” also ruined the Pro Bowl itself when a 57-yard Michael Bennett touchdown was called back because he got touched inside the last two minutes of the game.
That’s why, when addressing the Pro Bowl at the annual state of the league address, Roger Goodell didn’t mince words:
He’s not wrong either. It may just be an exhibition game, but ratings have decreased dramatically for it. The players seem disinterested too, which is crazy considering they get to travel to Hawaii. If the Pro Bowl wants to regain interest among the fans, changes have to be made.
They don’t have to be revolutionary changes either. For example, holding it after the Super Bowl again so that everyone is eligible to play seems like a logical thing to do. Having two teams getting drafted is illogical too; what exactly was wrong with AFC vs. NFC? And get rid of two-hand touch. It’s an exhibition game, so nobody’s trying to hurt each other. Plus it’s not like you have to worry about midseason injuries.
These are some very basic changes that can help make the Pro Bowl at least a watchable product once again. But the fact that they’re taking steps to improving it is encouraging. I’m sure Roger Goodell has grown tired of seeing his exhibition game constantly be the butt-end of people’s jokes.