Now that the Pro Bowl Games flag football showcase is returning for a second year, it’s time to consider who Team USA should send to the new Olympic event in 2028. Additionally, the NFL ought to think about using a different main event for its yearly all-star game.
It appears that the Pro Bowl is now formally known as the “Pro Bowl Games,” which makes sense given all the extra recreational events the league has included in an attempt to salvage the dreary exhibition of elite players.
However, the NFL still fails to understand that if there are several games, there isn’t a standout performance to be concerned about. John Madden famously remarked, “If you have two quarterbacks, you actually have none,” in reference to quarterback battles.
AFC vs. NFC flag football (I’m not sure if that’s still the same format) is how the NFL cheapened its Pro Bowl game, singular. Keeping tabs is difficult). If Tyreek Hill, Raheem Mostert, and Jahmyr Gibbs don’t decide to randomly compete in a 40-yard race at halftime, the minigames that took place on Thursday are likely going to be more exciting than the flag football tournament that takes place in Orlando on Sunday.
It could be that my fondness for Super Mario Party minigames has made me biased. As it was entertaining to see Baker Mayfield and C.J. Stroud trade darts for their competition on Thursday, maybe Nintendo will introduce a precision passing challenge.
The NFL’s adorable desire to transform the Pro Bowl into an Olympic event makes sense, as flag football will be included in the Summer Games in 2028. Although it’s unlikely to increase the level of competition for Sunday’s flag football game, that’s a nice place to start for this week’s “Fact or Fiction” tale, which centers on the Pro Bowl and its problems.
There should be an Olympic ban on NFL players playing flag football in 2028.
Manzano’s view: Fact
I’ll start by offering a sharp analysis, much as CeeDee Lamb does when he throws dodgeballs at his AFC opponents. Numerous NFL players have expressed their desire to compete in the flag football competition at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. But is it really that bad for NFL players to comfortably win a gold medal when they outscore other nations by more than forty points? As we already know, American football players are among the greatest in the world. (I probably didn’t need to elaborate because it’s well known that American soccer players aren’t the best.)
While I support the expansion of the sport, it is unlikely that American football will be promoted outside of the country during the Olympics. Though they might not all be Rams and Chargers supporters, Los Angeles has a sizable football fan base. In four years, even if the Olympics were held somewhere else, I seriously doubt that humiliating opponents will turn young people from other nations into American football fans. Maybe it would be better in the long term if NFL players weren’t allowed to compete in the Olympic flag football competition’s initial few games. Establish fair conditions for the sport to gain international traction before bringing in the big guns for the NFL’s take on the Dream Team.
However, come on, NFL players want to be recognized as world champions in actuality in 2028. Perhaps more people were offended by American sprinter Noah Lyles’s divisive remarks than just NBA players.
NFL players should participate in a triathlon at the Pro Bowl.
Manzano’s view: Fact
The Pro Bowl continues to garner strong television ratings, therefore its numerous contests will probably continue. For the NFL, it makes sense if it generates revenue. However, these are my unasked-for thoughts on how to make the Pro Bowl festivities better: Include a triathlon tournament.
It would be tremendously exciting to watch some of the world’s top athletes—all fiercely competitive—compete in a massive swimming pool in Las Vegas or on a bicycle route reminiscent of a safari in the swamps of Florida. Heck, take my money now, and on Sunday, make this the big deal. If the league insists on having flag football on Sunday of Pro Bowl weekend, then make it the showcase on Saturday. Perhaps extend an invitation to a few celebs, a la the summertime Lake Tahoe golf tournament.
Maybe this thought made more sense to me, or maybe I was preoccupied with watching the Olympic marathon trials on Saturday. I can already picture it: kicker Unexpectedly surpassing Travis Kelce at the finish line, Justin Tucker let Taylor Swift and the Swifties down. (Retaliation for throwing away his gear the week before their AFC championship game.) Perhaps because we don’t have the time to run six miles and bike twenty-four hours these days, NFL players don’t need to. Anyway, I should get moving before my triathlon pitch becomes nonsensical.
Pro Bowl selections ought to be taken into consideration when negotiating player contracts.
Manzano’s view: Fiction
Many NFL players choose not to compete in the Pro Bowl each year due to experience, caution, or a desire to stay safe and prevent injuries. However, a lot of them seize the chance to play because having the label of Pro Bowler on their resumes usually helps in contract talks.
It’s a little ridiculous, as there shouldn’t be much significance to being the third or fourth alternate on a Pro Bowl squad. Furthermore, just because playing in the Pro Bowl could increase a player’s income, it shouldn’t be mandatory. It goes without saying that players also visit to socialize with fans, spend special times with family, and be with friends. That is the real purpose of the Pro Bowl. The season’s performance by the players on the field ought to be sufficient. Though it may seem like a small concern, league executives have informed me that Pro Bowl choices have an impact on contract negotiations.
The Super Bowl ought to be followed by the Pro Bowl.
Manzano’s view: Fact
Moving the Pro Bowl, as it was formerly done, after the Super Bowl is one way to reduce the number of players withdrawing from the game. Pro Bowl players might take advantage of this opportunity to cap off a demanding season in a relaxed setting before taking a month or two off on vacation. Furthermore, news about the Senior Bowl and the Super Bowl wouldn’t have to compete with the Pro Bowl for attention. Playing flag football or normal football with Patrick Mahomes, Kelce, Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa, and many more players from Super Bowl LVIII during Pro Bowl celebrations would only assist, but it definitely wouldn’t enhance the product on the field.
Pro Bowl participants should be interviewed from a platform as on opening night of the Super Bowl.
Manzano’s view: Fact
Since many players were speaking to the media for the first time in weeks, and those remarks created a lot of online headlines and excitement on social media, that’s really the only reason I recognized the Pro Bowl this week. For instance, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was questioned about his impending contract deal, while Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs discussed his uncertain future in Buffalo.
The NFL need simply accept that and have a media event akin to Super Bowl Sunday, without the inquiries about their best UFO experiences and favorite meals. This may be one method the league uses to bring back the excitement of the Pro Bowl.
