Eliminate the game and give players and fans a better event. Jack Bechta
Any players who are first-time invitees to the Pro Bowl usually attend 100 percent of the time. They’re excited for the trip and the chance to be recognized as one of the best in the business.
I’ve been to several Pro Bowls in Honolulu, and it’s a pretty cool and relaxing week. The greatest thing about it is the access one has to the very best in the business. The top of the foot chain in NFL royalty, both past and present, are marinating around the hotel pool in Hawaiian shirts, enjoying a cool drink.
For a first timer to kick it with Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Matt Light, Ray Lewis and other top-shelf names is a special experience. Players with families love the trip because it’s a paid vacation, and the properties the players stay in are conducive to children. The NFL even picks up the cost of flights, meal allowances and hotels for players’ wives.
Another reason players love the Pro Bowl is because the resorts they stay in provide insulation for them and their families. Security is tight, autograph-seeking is minimal and the league practically has the hotel to itself.
While all these reasons are great incentives to go to the game and pick up some extra cash ($50,000 to players on the winning team, $25,000 to the losers), the Miami experiment won’t work. Interest in playing in the game in any location is waning every year.
Here’s why:
1) The obvious reason playing the Pro Bowl the week before the Super Bowl won’t work is that many of the best players are probably playing in the Super Bowl.
2) As salaries increase, $50,000 isn’t the carrot it used to be. As a matter of fact, many players lose money on the Pro Bowl trip because they bring their whole family, including in-laws, coaches, agents, friends and teammates. Cost is usually about $3,000 per person and can easily run over $30,000 for an entire group.
3) Guys are tired after a long season.
4) It’s just too far. Many players dread the thought of flying from the east coast to Hawaii, about 11 to 15 hours of travel time if you figure flight connections.
5) It gets boring by the third day. A lot of guys get disinterested because the resort isn’t really close to anything of interest in Hawaii. Also, once a player has gone a few times, it gets to be like “Groundhog Day.”
6) And, of course, nobody wants to get hurt.
Here’s my idea of what the league and the players association can do to fix up the Pro Bowl:
1) Eliminate the game altogether and replace it with a week of entertaining events culminating in a grand finale like an ESPY/roast/awards show type of production. It would likely garner a larger TV audience and be more entertaining. There can be five events during the week, for example: golf, a basketball game, a 60-yard race between the fastest players, arm wrestling, a three-point shootout featuring celebs and players, cook-offs, an accuracy contest for QBs, a kicking and punting contest, cheerleader dance-offs and even a dance contest between offensive and defensive linemen. This setup would give the networks more programming time, and the players would be more likely to attend because they would get more coveted face-time without their helmets, helping their endorsement profiles. The additional TV programming would also have a stronger monetization formula than a single game.
2) Move the events to San Diego. Many NFL players like Carson Palmer, Aaron Rodgers and countless others already reside there in the offseason. The weather is dependable and there are lots of things for married and single players to do. It’s a shorter trip than Hawaii and is easy to get to. San Diego has one of the world’s great zoos, an amazing wild animal park, incredible beaches and Legoland for kids. Luxurious resorts like La Costa and The Grand Del Mar can host players and events.
3) Add in the celebrity factor. Being just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles would make it an easy trip for the red carpet set.
I know the hate mail will start coming from Hawaii, but I strongly believe fewer and fewer star players will attend the game in the future. I think the notion of playing the Pro Bowl prior to Super Bowl week has proven to be a failure, but it was definitely worth trying. Let me know any ideas, feedback or suggestions you have. I want your input.
Follow me on Twitter: jackbechta
I agree with one thing--eliminate the game. I saw 3 plays as I was channel surfing yesterday and what I saw was certainly was not tackle football. I don't blame the players--who wants to get hurt? but ask Wes Welker if you need to have contact to blow out your ACL ( or Al Harris, etc).
Just eliminate the whole charade. It is a very poor product. I am not going to waste my time watching any BS competition. Name 45 man NFC and AFC all-star teams at end of season--nothing else.
Good to great deas Jack.
I have to agree with KO.....ELIMINATE THE WHOLE SHABANG! The suggestions you made has absolutly NOTHING TO DO WITH FOOTBALL OR THE TERM "ALL-PRO". Your suggestion sounds more like that compitition ABC held during Febuary and March back in the late 70's just to get stars to appear. Just name a team at the end of the season and thats that.
I HAVEN'T WATCHED A PRO-BOWL GAME IN 45 YEARS .THEY WALK THROUGH THE PLAYS,NO ONE WANTS TO GET HURT AND THEY CHANGED HITTING AND COVERAGE RULES TO MAKE IT EASIER TO SCORE AND ATTRACT FANS.
Mr. Bechta -
I understand why some might want a sort of smorgasboard of party-esque non-football "competitions" etc., but they are all already done, or have been tried. Charity & ProAm golf events with NFL stars already happen. I also recall an offseason contest for various skill players, sort of an adult version of PP & K. Talent shows don't strike me as a ratings bonanza for any network.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't some player contracts allow for bonuses if they are voted to the Pro Bowl as incentive clauses?
Because a PB selection is seen by most fans as a popularity contest the players hold for themselves, as opposed to MLB's All Star picks which is far more fan-driven, I think you have to rework it from top to bottom.
First, I think fans have to have a percentage of the vote. Not all, but a good enough percentage that would make it much more personal for fans. The "Average Joe" can't even afford tickets to a game anymore, so involving the entire fan base sure wouldn't hurt.
Reduce the number of players chosen to 22 Veterans, 2 Rookies (one O, one D), 2 Special Teams Players, 2 Head Coaches, 2 OC's,2 DC's, 2 Special Teams Coaches.
Second, guarantee a bonus to each person selected which would then be matched by the NFL and/or team with a donation to a charity of the player's or coach's choice.
Third, hold a televised event where the players and each charity are given their award, with highlights of the "All Star/All Pro" game play and where applicable,his charity work shown as awards are given, along with highlights of the work each charity does.
Think of it as a sort of Oscar/People's Choice Award for NFL stars, if you will, with all the publicity you can pump into it all season long. Hell, toss the bash in San Diego, L.A.., or the SB city of that year, with all the pre and after-parties you can stand.
Yes, there would need to be some sort of nominating process, and highlight reels could be posted on NFL.Com, and anywhere else appropriate. Fans should be offered the chance to buy the professionally produced DVD's, with part of the proceeds going to the NFL's charity of choice.
I know this was lengthy, but, you asked....
Your suggestions sound like a FAMILY PICNIC. Why don't we have three legged races,egg tossing and relay races. No thats not cool enough for NFL players. How about something they have experience with like HIDE AND CONCEAL THE WEAPON, PASS THE DRUG TEST AND BARROOM BRAWLING. I think the THUG ELEMENT WOULD SHOW UP TO PROVE HOW BAD THEY ARE AND IT WOULD ATTRACT AN AUDIENCE.
I disagree that playing the game prior to the Super Bowl was a failure. First, the ratings were up. That is a major piece of information the NFL is unlikely to forget. Having the game in Hawaii the week before the Super Bowl may pose some additional problems due to travel, but I don't think we are going to see this game move any time soon.
The notion of a skills competition is intriguing, but sounds more like a novelty item. People want to see football. Guys in pads lining up across each other. While it may be fun to see if DeSean Jackson is faster than Chris Johnson, in the grand scheme, this will not generate anywhere near the buzz of an actual game. They have had skills competitions prior to Pro Bowls before. After spending 20 or so weeks straight watching games, it's tough to just go cold turkey a week before the biggest game of the year. So what they don't really hit hard, or rush the passer, or finish off runs. There is always a lot of points scored in these games. And big, exciting plays (probably because so many of the linemen aren't trying to hard). I think people are going to watch regardless of who's out there. It may not be the same as a playoff or regular season game, but it's enough to hold everyone over until the Super Bowl.
Go the other way with this. Take a little more time off for it and give England a second NFL game...
A few years back one of the rookie Pro-Bowlers suffered a high ankle sprain during a beach volleyball game against his fellow players. The game isn't meant to be taken seriously. It's mildly entertaining and it's a tradition. I just like turning on the TV in February and seeing sunny Hawaii and a laid back football game.
Mr Murder, I doubt that the Pro-Bowl would sell out over here - it's no more interesting to British fans of the game than it is to US fans. And the players would be even less inclined to make the trip than they are to Hawaii.
The basic problem with the Pro Bowl is that it pits players against each other on the basis of the AFC - NFC division, rather than something that really matters to players today. In a mercenary, combined era, the Pro Bowl needs to mean that the absolute best players play off. Why not select one All-Pro team and have them play the winners of the Superbowl? It would mean selecting alternates on a week's notice, but it would give the game some real spice- the best players in the league against the best team in the league. At the same time, it would rate spectacularly, and would be a real achievement for the winning team. It would also make it more difficult to achieve a perfect season...
Dave...................Years ago they had something similiar to what you suggest. In PRE-SEASON the NFL Champions from the previous year would play the COLLEGE ALL-STARS for a charity.( which was based and played at Chicago Solider Field). This game went on until about 1976 when they had a terriffic rain and lightening storm and the game was stopped about half way through. THE MAIN REASON THEY STOPPED IT HOWEVER was the owners realized that these rookies were going to be going to THEIR TRAINING CAMPS AFTERWARDS and didn't want them hurt. I imagine it was a good point and one they would consider no matter what the venue.
a few guys nailed it: name the pro bowlers and leave it at that. No game.
Winning Is On The Line- this would replace the Pro Bowl. It wouldn't be a bunch of rookies being dismantled by a dominant team. The same number of games would be played, and not in preseason condition either.
Don't eliminate the game. Sure it's not a real game but neither is a preseason game or a Lions regular season game. It's still cool to see all the star players on the field together. Move it to a warm mainland location but not San Diego. They have a winning team and perfect weather and still don't show up to games.
Don't eliminate the game. Sure it's not a real game but neither is a preseason game or a Lions regular season game. It's still cool to see all the star players on the field together. Move it to a warm mainland location but not San Diego. They have a winning team and perfect weather and still don't show up to games.
I think some of you are missing the point to Mr. Bechta's suggestion. There are already TV contracts related to the Pro Bowl. Eliminating the game is what most of us want, but the NFL would need to offer some sort of alternative to ESPN (or whoever airs the game).
@kimo: Patriots RB Robert Edwards did a lot more than sprain his ankle. He completely shredded his knee in a beach (touch or flag) football game. It was a lot more serious than a sprain. He was (obviously) never the same afterward.
Oops! When was this article written? This year's Pro Bowl had the highest cable rating that it's ever had
Eliminate the game, however replace it with a game between college players who have declared for the draft. To incent these players offer them $100K for the game and a $2-10 million dollar insurance policy (custom to each player)
i wrote this post before the TV numbers came out. so from an audience standpoint it was a net positive for viewership. However, my point is that more star players will pass on playing in the game, especially if it is before the Super Bowl. I would also recommend that if they select minority NFL coaches as head coaches.
I think the league already tried some of these ideas for doing events like races and accuracy contests. I don't think it garnered much interest. I think it would be interesting to do in addition to normal Pro Bowl.
The best all-star games come during the season but of course that is unworkable
The game has been played since 1851 so why stop it? Just fix it. It was played in LA until 1973 when it spent the next seven years before settling in Miami.
Play the game in the continental US (most years) and combine it with a fanfest Friday,Saturday and Sunday culminating in the game. Have events where the players are accessible. Q&A, demonstrations, etc...Make game participation mandatory with the exception of medical or league release. They can't have Favre like situations where he makes the Pro Bowl eleven times but only comes on four or five occasions. If you can't play then you should have to attend the functions.
The Pro-Bowl game should be best UNITS against best UNITS since football is a TEAM game.
Imagine a pro bowl game like this:
AFC:
Pro Bowl Offense Unit COLTS
Pro Bowl Defense Unit: STEELERS
Pro Bowl Special Teams Unit: JETS
-VERSUS-
NFC:
Pro Bowl Offense Unit SAINTS
Pro Bowl Defense Unit: VIKINGS
Pro Bowl Special Teams Unit: EAGLES
Now that's a PRO BOWL I WOULD WATCH!!
First, having the Pro Bowl before the Super Bowl is a must, because after the Super Bowl, casual fans (which is the majority of people who watch football) are done with the sport until next season.
Second, the game will never be competitive because it's ultimately meaningless. Imagine if Chris Johnson tore his ACL on one of his limited carries. Normal recovery time would mean he likely wouldn't be ready to play until part way through the 2010 season, the Titans would be devastated.
Third, I think All Star games in any sport attract more of the casual fans. Even the MLB game is pointless for most people as it's still a relaxed game and most fans know their team won't make the World Series, so they have no stake in who wins.
So I say do away with the game as well. Or make it a flag football game. No pads/helmets. And I agree with the goofy competitions, but they probably wouldn't be successful. The events would probably have to change each year to keep fans/players interested. But we might end up with stuff like NFL player bowling tournaments or volleyball...
Maybe we should let Chad Ochocinco come up with what to do? I would trust him to make it entertaining long before I'd trust Roger Goodell.
Nobody likes watching meaningless games. Would you watch a New Orleans vs Colts game in the pre-season? Unless one of them is your team of course. Get rid of the game entirely. Make it an awards show and if douche bags like Favre win and are too good to show up, have another show that ridicules them.
Does anybody else besides me remember when the College all stars played the Super Bowl Champs? It was a fun game, but it to went by the wayside.
Randy Morris......................If you scroll up to my post IN THIS THREAD ON 2ND OF FEBRUARY @8:52 A.M you will see that someone else brought up the same subject of the College All-Star game.
My original opinion sticks...........86 THE GAME AND JUST NAME AN ALL-PRO TEAM
I think that Dave was onto something. Have the Super Bowl winner play the rest of the NFL ALL Stars. That would be an ego game for the SB winner and the all-stars. (Het, being an All Star IS an EGO-thing) They would WANT to prove themselves and play hard. It would be a good game. EVERYONE is sad that when the Super Bowl is over and this would extend it another week (like every year uptil now). Having it then could still tie into NFL players bonuses for making the pro bowl and most players should still be in football shape. I believe that the game should follow the same city as that year's Super Bowl. It could be (like this year) a 2 week show and it would boost the economy drasticly in that city.
Having a skills test is a terrible idea because no one watched it when the NFL tried it before. BORING! The rest of the major pro sports have a game and struggle to make it relevant but they still HAVE the game and all sports have shown good TV ratings so the game is NOT going away. Hell, Miami soldout the game. SOMEBODY is interested in the game and you can't sell that many tickets to family and friends. Plus, add in the NFL licensed products sold and concessions make a mint there too.
Why not invite the the 1st and 2nd ranked college teams in the nation to Hawaii for a "true national championship game". Let the Pros go there for meet and greets and vacation. They still get the pro bowl honors but they don't get hurt during the game. Colleges are happy becuase they get more revenue. Fans are happy because we answer any lingering questions from the BCS.
Why not invite the the 1st and 2nd ranked college teams in the nation to Hawaii for a "true national championship game". Let the Pros go there for meet and greets and vacation. They still get the pro bowl honors but they don't get hurt during the game. Colleges are happy becuase they get more revenue. Fans are happy because we answer any lingering questions from the BCS.
I love the concept of the non football event in San Diego. As an aside, I also would be in favor of San Diego as the permanent home for the Super Bowl. It's a great location for both families and business types and the game would always be played outdoors. Now, all that needs to be done is to build a new stadium to accomodate the Chargers and the Super Bowl.
I think the league already tried some of these ideas for doing events like races and accuracy contests. I don't think it garnered much interest. I think it would be interesting to do in addition to normal Pro Bowl.
I agree get rid of the game some of these guys have not had pads on in 5 weeks, you could do a skills compitition but the big thing bring them all to the super bowl city and have a fan fest charge for autographs the fans can conect with the pro bowlers and the NFL can raise some money and give it to a charrity great PR with the fans and the community.
Game should be eliminated. Create a skills competition consisting of five players from each team. Have them compete against each other in various trials until you have a winning team, and give them a trophy. Every fan will have their team to root for, and you'd have plenty of events to watch during the week.
I'm with Brad and Dave... let's have the SB champion play an all-star team from the rest of the league. The only difference is I'd have it in the Superbowl Champion's home city, as that would give it an extra flair and a chance for the fans to celebrate their championship during the game. Without pride (i.e. ego), an All-Star game is a stale, boring affair. This way, you could actually have a game fans (and players) would actually look forward to.
PS. I hate the "dog & pony show" ideas - i.e. the cook-offs, skill competitions, etc.
Let's keep football football, people.
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07:29 PM
The first idea is absolutely ridiculous. These players are not in high school. Sounds really childish to me.