NFL owners are discussing the future of the Pro Bowl at this week's league meetings, a source confirmed to ESPN after multiple media outlets reported the news.
The league has spoken to players and NFL teams and is now exploring alternatives to the weeklong Pro Bowl celebration, which could include the elimination of the traditional tackle game, the source said.
No vote is needed to approve a change. The NFL, while exploring this with players and television partners, hopes to have a decision this summer.
The annual all-star game, broadcast on ESPN, has suffered in recent years because of players backing out and the lack of competition due to injury concerns.
The NFL has played a traditional Pro Bowl game in some fashion since 1938. Festivities surround the game, including dodgeball, throwing competitions and skills challenges in the past. [Reply]
They could easily make it just the skills competitions, and you could have a lot of fun with it. The trash talking and joking around is always fun. I haven't watched the pro bowl since high school in the 80's, but I like the skills competition. They need some kind of race with the linemen or some shit like that. Maybe they have to swim the length of the pool or something. Anyway, they could make the event worth watching without anyone having to actually play tackle football. [Reply]
Last year was the final nail in the coffin, I've never witnessed such horseshit in my 51 years... just do the skills competition where they can have a little fun and call it good [Reply]
I understand it's an honor to be selected, but when some of the top players don't play or even show up, what's the use? I'm out on the Pro-Bowl. [Reply]
I think I can say that may have watched 2... maybe 3 Pro Bowls in the last 40 years. I won't miss it. Hell, I would rather watch an all-skills challenge. [Reply]