Pro Bowl

I'm not ashamed to admit that I like the Pro Bowl. Sometimes I think that I'm the only one. Few take the game seriously but they miss the point. Its not meant to be taken seriously. Its a postseason all-star game. Its supposed to be relaxed fun. Despite the relaxed fun I find the game entertaining. The NFL is clearly having trouble finding a time and place for the game, dealing with ratings and interest. It was after the Championship game/Super Bowl since the beginning in 1951. Its been in Hawaii since 1980. Two years ago the league took it away from Hawaii, placed it at the site of the Super Bowl and played it the week before the big game. All moves were ridiculous. They corrected one when they sent the game back to Hawaii. They still play it the week before the Super Bowl. The mistake of this genius move is that it keeps the Super Bowl players out of the Pro Bowl. The NFL believes that the general interest in football is greater before the Super Bowl than after. They're probably correct. I'd have interest in the game if it was played in March but that's just me.

Hawaii completes the Pro Bowl picture. Its the perfect setting and only adds to the relaxed atmosphere. The players often bring their families. Despite the occasional practices, its an end of the season vacation. It also creates the best setting for the players to get to know each other. The players love this game. All-Pro honors are more prestigious but players talk more of making the Pro Bowl. A trip to Hawaii. Get to know your peers. Play a football game with and against most of the best players. Its all good.

Most people that don't like the Pro Bowl are those that expect a serious football game. That's the problem. Its not a serious game. It was never meant to be taken seriously. It was always meant to be a fun celebration at the end of the season. Its a bigger event in Hawaii than it ever would be here. People of Hawaii enjoy their one chance to see live the stars of the NFL. People that travel to the game enjoy a vacation in Hawaii. I enjoy all of it because I love football. Plus, its the last time that I get to see Jared Allen and Chad Greenway play football this year.