NFL intends to replace Pro Bowl with ‘The Pro Bowl Games’
This offseason it was revealed that NFL was looking to reinvent the Pro Bowl to keep both fans and players interested in the annual event.
Now, we’ve learned exactly what that reinvention will look like. The league announced on Monday that the 2023 Pro Bowl will be replaced by “The Pro Bowl Games.”
Taking place in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium in 2023, The Pro Bowl Games will consist of a flag football game and a week-long celebration of player skills, including both football and non-football skills. A big difference this year is that fans will actually be given some more control with their online voting. They’re not just going to be voting on players, but they’ll be voting on key elements related to the skills competition, like events, participants and more.
“We’ve received invaluable feedback from players, teams and fans about reimagining the Pro Bowl, and as a result, we’re thrilled to use The Pro Bowl Games as a platform to spotlight Flag football as an integral part of the sport’s future while also introducing fun, new forms of competition and entertainment that will bring our players, their families and fans closer than ever before,” NFL executive Peter O’Reilly said, via press release. “Building on the success of the 2022 Pro Bowl and 2022 Draft, as well as our strong partnership with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Las Vegas Raiders, we look forward to bringing The 2023 Pro Bowl Games to the capital of world-class sports and entertainment.”
With the NFL continually promoting flag football over the years, this seemed like the natural solution to hosting a contact football game. They’ll include events such as “Play Football Opening Night” and “NFL FLAG Championships” in the week-long event. The question remains: Will it be enough to capture the interest of fans and players?
The AFC vs. NFC flag football match will air on ESPN and ABC on Sunday, February 5, 2023. Let us know your thoughts on the new format in the comment section down below or on Twitter and Facebook.
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