NFL finally throws in the towel on the Pro Bowl - NBC Sports
The NFL is officially ending the traditional Pro Bowl game, opting instead to award the designation to 88 players and hold an in-person celebration. This decision follows years of declining player participation and interest in the exhibition game.
Why it matters
This marks a significant shift in how the NFL manages its marquee exhibition events and player recognition in an era of increased injury awareness.
NFL finally throws in the towel on the Pro Bowl - NBC Sports
NFL finally throws in the towel on the Pro Bowl
The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones reports the Pro Bowl “will no longer have a standalone game.”
We’re sad to see the Pro Bowl go, but this move has been several years in the making. Players consistently opted out of the event, forcing the league to name underwhelming alternates. Those who did play rarely took the game seriously. The NFL switched to a flag football format four years ago. This alleviated some injury risk for players but further separated the declining event from traditional football. Now the league will simply award 88 players across offense, defense, and special teams with the Pro Bowl designation. An in-person celebration of the Pro Bowl roster will be held in February.
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