2013 NFL Pro Bowl

The Annual NFL All Star Game known as the Pro Bowl will be played today in Hawaii at 7 EST on NBC.  The Pro Bowl continues to go through transformations as the NFL tries to build some viewership.  Moving the game to the week before the Super Bowl has certainly helped it’s relevance, and has made it possible for more players to earn the roster bonus, as players who are playing next week in the Super Bowl are replaced by back-ups.  The NFL is doing the right thing here.  I hear many people complain about the softness of the game, or the fact that winning or losing means next to nothing…to the fans.  The extra money earned by the winning team does mean something to the players, and their competitive spirit usually shows late in the 4th quarter if the score is at all close.  Of course defense and big hits are lacking, but it’s meant as entertainment and a reward for the players.  I would suggest the game will never be cancelled no matter how much NBC complains about viewership or about advertisers not wanting to pay big money for spots.  This is a game that agents and players are well invested in….bonuses for making the Pro Bowl, either as a starter, back-up, or replacement are written into most contracts and won’t be easily given up no matter how much fans complain about the game itself.  Look at the Redskins Trent Williams who this week had an altercation while in Hawaii….it was announced that he won’t be eligible to play, but will be on the sideline, get a jersey, AND be CREDITED with a Pro Bowl Appearance…meaning he will get paid his bonus.

*-Starter

x-Injured

y-Replacement

z-Super Bowl Participant