The NFL Pro Bowl is an event held to honor NFL athletes that had a standout season, as decided by fans. When being selected into the Pro Bowl, it pits the NFC against the AFC for the match-up. Saturday teams typically participate in mini games against each other such as dodgeball, a skills showdown, a best hands competition and even a gauntlet. On Sunday, the actual game between the two conferences begins, and it is always entertaining to see the best of the best go against each other, but the players are just out there to have fun as well.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the Pro Bowl game has been canceled. Instead, the NFL is teaming up with EA Sports to have different players, celebrities, legends and even streamers play as the actual NFC or AFC Pro Bowl roster on the newest version of the Madden game. While still upsetting that no actual game will occur, the fact we get to see players playing Madden is much better than a complete cancellation. These matchups will be on many platforms for fans to watch if they are interested, as this is still an event to honor the best players from this season and all the hard work and dedication they have put in to get to this point.
Getting into the logistics of it, in the AFC the players that are playing will be Deshaun Watson, Derrick Henry, Snoop Dogg and Keyshawn Johnson. For the NFC it will be Kyler Murray, Jamal Adams, Bubba Wallace and Marshawn Lynch. Each player plays one five minute quarter, and the winner takes all. Other specials featured this year before the kickoff to the game include five time Pro Bowler and wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals Deandre Hopkins work with three time Pro Bowler and defensive end for the Los Angeles Chargers Joey Bosa breaking down their game type from this past season.
Some noticeable names that made the Pro Bowl roster for their first time ever are Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf. Meanwhile, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (rookie) and Washington defensive end Chase Young (rookie) also made appearances as rising stars. Other big names are Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Titans running back Derrick Henry, Chiefs receivers Tyreek Hill, Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Seahawks quarterback Russel Wilson. As people can see, it would have been a thrilling game to watch; sadly, with COVID-19, it didn’t get to happen. There will always be next year though, and hopefully the players will get to perform in front of the beloved NFL fans.
