NFL is pondering ways to improve the Pro Bowl. Fans love an idea Chad Johnson offered
The goal for most players in the NFL’s Pro Bowl game is to avoid injury, and no one could blame them for having that outlook.
The NFL is aware the game more closely resembles a flag-football event than a regular-season contest. The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday the league is “discussing the Pro Bowl week and ways to improve it — including possibly eliminating the traditional game and using that Sunday to showcase the players in it.”
One idea that has been widely shared on social media is turning the Pro Bowl into a skills competition. But former Bengals wide receiver Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson came up with a different plan.
“Have the current pro bowlers play against the past era of pro bowlers,” Johnson wrote on Twitter, “like an old school vs new school, don’t even need pads, can be flag formatted, would break the viewing ratings for a Pro Bowl easily…”
Have the current pro bowlers play against the past era of pro bowlers, like an old school vs new school, don’t even need pads, can be flag formatted, would break the viewing ratings for a Pro Bowl easily… https://t.co/33QklpGVTo
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) May 24, 2022
Fans who sat through the AFC’s 41-35 win over the NFC in February thought Johnson’s idea was perfect.
Imagine, say, Whitney Mercilus running after Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, whose throw for Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill is intercepted by Malcolm Jenkins.
Here is a sampling of what fans on Twitter were saying about Johnson’s plan.
This is it this is the tweet @NFL so don’t fumble and pay him for the idea.
— The Black Brad Pitt (@cwise818) May 24, 2022
Been begging for this for years! Would be awesome! https://t.co/HACu7D06IH
— Doug Carter (@dougiedougiedoo) May 24, 2022
Great idea
— TST Co-host (@TSTCohost) May 24, 2022
Chad Johnson with a great idea! https://t.co/QubB5wT77M
— Chris F. citizen focused ️ (@SPTO) May 24, 2022
I love this and would add players doing skill competitions for positions other than their own
— Tom (@twhite120) May 24, 2022
Ocho for Commissioner!! https://t.co/F7j9pWAQnp
— Mike A Made-It (@MadeFolarin10) May 24, 2022
Have never watched a Pro Bowl. Ever. Would absolutely watch this.
— Fred Natiello (@dolemite124) May 24, 2022
I’d much rather watch this https://t.co/INct5eLbqQ
— J. Gray ️ (@J_GrayJets) May 24, 2022
This is brilliant
— Dad Bod Blake (@_shakeNblake_) May 24, 2022
Another excellent idea… https://t.co/Bh8CKGCJuM
— Columnist, Phins com (@PhinsChris) May 24, 2022
Ocho that’s a great idea.
— Michael McIntosh (@mikemcintosh7) May 24, 2022
Imagine having @BoJackson back on the field!!!! Do it @NFL
— J A S O N (@JasonMarkG) May 24, 2022
That would be fire
— Okezie Adim-Madumere (@keziethedon) May 24, 2022