NFL considers eliminating All-Star Pro Bowl

Atlanta, Georgia - As the NFL has started to revamp the annual All-Star Pro Bowl game, commissioner Roger Goodell has considered possibly eliminating the game entirely.

Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers interacted with fans after the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl in February.
Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers interacted with fans after the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl in February.  © Christian Petersen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

The NFL Pro Bowl as we know it has a history that dates back to 1938.

However, after many concerns from players and team organizations, the history the traditional bowl game holds may come to an end.

In an attempt to revamp, the NFL is considering eliminating the annual All-Star game due to players' safety and injury concerns and the lack of competition in recent years, according to new reports by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

During the organization's spring meeting in Atlanta this week, team owners discussed the possibility of eliminating the Pro Bowl game and creating an alternative event instead.

A final decision on the game's fate will be made by the end of the week.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell looking for better ways to celebrate players

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at the 2022 Super Bowl press conference.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at the 2022 Super Bowl press conference.  © Rob Carr / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell believes the Pro Bowl no longer serves the purpose it once did in highlighting the league's brightest players and fans.

"I think the conclusion was that the game itself, doesn't work," Goodell said Tuesday. "And that we needed to find a different way to celebrate our players. Celebrate the fact that, these being our Pro Bowler players, the best players in our league, and give them an opportunity to celebrate that with our fans."

Instead, Goodell said he wants to subject the players to a less physically demanding competition by showcasing their skill on the field with fun challenges.

"We talked an awful lot about some of the events around the Pro Bowl that are really extremely popular, whether it's the quarterback challenge or some of the other events, so those are things that we'll probably build on," Goodell revealed.

The Pro Bowl is played each year at the end of the NFL season by 88 athletes chosen by fans, coaches, and players. Since 2010, it has been held the weekend before the Super Bowl, and athletes from the two teams competing in the Super Bowl do not participate.

Cover photo: Christian Petersen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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