The Decline of the Empire, er, Pro Bowl

For the first time in 4 years I've decided to put hands to keyboard, this time to discuss a trend many people have observed in the last decade. I know, you all have been wondering where the Blahger has gone, and are on the edge of your seats to learn what brought him out of hiding! Well, something is kind of bothering me today. This Sunday we saw a meeting of great men and great minds not seen since the Solvay Conference of 1927 (Google it... I had to). Of course the event in question is the annual NFL Pro Bowl. The Pro Bowl (henceforth, PB) actually started following the 1938 season and slated the championship team versus the All Stars of the League. Thanks to WWII it was suspended, and brought back in 1950. For the last 65 years, we have seen a collection of the best talent the NFL has to offer go head to head. All-time greats like Jerry Rice, Reggie White, and Peyton Manning have competed on one last Sunday to close out the season. Sounds like a great time, right? We wish. In an attempt to salvage this once proud game, the NFL has made some moves as of late.

Picture this scene...

Doodly doot doodly doot doodly doot

Circa 2009
*NFL Exec 1 enters the room*
Exec 1 - "Alright guys, we need to spice up the Pro Bowl. Nobody cares about football after the Super Bowl."
Exec 2 - "We need more commercials! Everybody watches for the commercials!"
Exec 3 - "No, you idiot, let's have a sports crossover! Can anybody get Lebron James?"
*Exec 1 looks at his calendar, his face slowly shows intrigue*
Exec 1 - "We play BEFORE the Super Bowl!"
*Champagne flows*
END SCENE

I'm about 98% sure that's how it went down; of course, the names have been changed to protect their identity. This sounds like a quick fix, right? Let's get the game in before the zenith of oblong ball sports plays out. Well, there are a few issues with this idea. 1.) The game is immediately after the conference championships. Meaning most playoff teams are just getting over the fact that they are not going to Disneyland. Less playoff players = less talented players. Okay, maybe not less talented, but Tyrod Taylor didn't exactly have an Aaron Rodgers-esque season. 2.) Players participating in the Super Bowl are not able to play, watering down the roster even more. In 2016, a record number of players were invited to the PB. Why? Because so many of them rejected it. Heck, I would've gone, but my letter went to the wrong address. I blame the owl.

Eli finds out he made the Pro Bowl

Circa 2013, ratings for the PB are still down
*Exec 2 bustles down a hallway towards a door, late for his meeting*
Exec 1 - "I just don't get it! Our All-Star game is still getting the lowest rating of any sport."
Exec 2 - "COMMERCIALS GUYS!"
Exec 3 - "LEBRON JA- no, wait. What are Rice and Sanders up to?"
Exec 2 - "Go on."
Exec 3 - "Let's abandon over 60 years of tradition and get rid of the conference affiliation."
*Exec 1 chomps his cigar and rubs his hands*
Exec 1 - "Excellent..."
END SCENE

Yep, that was the NFL's response. Let's rid ourselves of the whole point of the PB and bring in Michael Irvin. I think he participated in the play call less than Philadelphia's offensive coordinator. It seems like a great plan, implementing a new way to set up the teams. Yet, the game will still be hard to watch until players stop their new method of tackling, otherwise known as "getting out of the way." Nobody wants to get injured, nobody cares about the stats. It's a coveted honor to pad the 'ol HOF resume. The best part of making the PB is a free trip to Hawaii, and we all know the players can hardly afford the trip on their own. Seriously, Tannehill is only worth $77 mil? He'll totally outplay that contract! At this point, I'm not sure what will bring more excitement to this lackluster event. It's become a popularity contest for the fans who don't pay attention to football. Heck, I'm guilty of voting based solely on stats and affiliations. I'm positive my dozens of ballots helped the Raiders get six, SIX, players in the game. Really, all people want to see are teammates going after each other for the first time. What exactly did you say to Derrick Thomas, Jamaal?

Charles is not in charge

So now, dear reader, I'm sure you're asking yourself "WWTBD" (What Would the Blahger Do). Well, it boils down to how much the game itself matters. The honor of the PB is the recognition by player's peers and the fans. I don't see any issue with this being a ceremonial title instead of mandatory attendance. Every year multiple press outlets announce their All-Star teams for each position, no purchase necessary! Being picked as an AP All-Pro carries as much weight, if not more, than the PB team with no risk of injury. Allow the fans to keep their vote, and let the players get some well deserved rest. The total number of players in Hawaii this year was 88, with a whopping 44 players that were selected, but did not participate. That is 134 players who get to have the title of Pro-Bowler for the remainder of their career. Exclusive club, huh? The NFL has been under so much scrutiny with mishandling injuries over the years, why put more mileage on the odometer? Don't risk a nail in the tread for a joy ride around the block. But hey, that's just my opinion. If the players are willing to compete one more Sunday, let them. At the end of the day it's their careers and choice to man the gridiron. And we appreciate every minute they do.

As a last note, I want to give a shout out to Charles Woodson. He will never see this blog, but it has been a pleasure watching him over the years. I did not pay as close attention to football when I was younger, so I do not recollect his early Raider time as well as the latter. That being said, he is a surefire HOFer and his leadership has been instrumental in the recent turnaround. Unfortunately he goes out on a loss, but nobody will remember that side note. His commitment to excellence has shadowed the many who have tried to match his passion and talent. To sum it up, we will collectively say #ThankYouCharles.

Welp, that's it! Hope you enjoyed the post, and if there is any topic you'd like to hear about just drop a comment. Otherwise, I'll blahg again in four years at the next election!

To close out, here is another gif of Eli Manning for my #1 reader, Robert! He stole your move.

You can see the jealousy in Ahmad Bradshaw's eyes