Don't Forget the Pro Bowl!!

I know, I know…a lot of you feel this game is a waste of time.  I however, refuse to do so.  It’s still a part of the NFL and dammit, I’m watching.  I understand that the game moves slow and there’s not much to see, UNTIL the 4^th quarter when the money is on the line.  That’s when its gets serious.  But for the newbies, they don’t understand that.  Let’s not forget Sean Taylor’s huge hit on a punt return or Adrian Peterson’s performance last year.  I also enjoy watching the interaction of the players who for 17 weeks were bitter enemies, high-five one other and chit chat on the side line.  Next year's Pro Bowl is set for Miami after 30 years in Hawaii and will be played a week before the Super Bowl. Although I’m very excited with the change, some players aren’t all that happy with it.

Ray Lewis, the Baltimore Ravens' 10-time Pro Bowl linebacker, said it is "sad" that the NFL All-Star game is being moved from Hawaii for at least one year. Next year's game is in Miami and Lewis, who lives in Florida, said he might not play in it if selected.

"Yeah. Seriously. That's no vacation going to your same city," said Lewis, who played college football at Miami. "I live in Florida, so why am I going to drive my car and say 'Hey, I think I'll go play in the Pro Bowl right down the road.'

Kansas City tight end Tony Gonzalez, another 10-time Pro Bowler, could see the virtues of spreading the game elsewhere. "I understand why they're doing it," Gonzalez said. "I think it's giving those fans on the mainland a chance to be a part of this game. Kind of like the NBA All-Star game, or baseball or hockey or whatever. Give those fans a chance. Especially on the East Coast, it's hard to get to Hawaii, especially in these economic times. But at the same time, I'm going to miss Hawaii if I'm a part of it next year."

The Colts' Manning, left center, went through some drills with fellow AFC quarterbacks Kerry Collins and Jay Cutler yesterday.

Pro Bowl practice drills began yesterday at Kapolei High School’s football field. The all-stars included NFC quarterbacks Drew Brees, left, of the New Orleans Saints and Eli Manning of the New York Giants. 

Thomas Jones of the Jets hit a hole in the middle of the line during the AFC's practice yesterday at Ihilani Resort and Spa.

New York Giants kicker John Carney and punter Jeff Feagles ran a fake field goal while wearing old school leather helmets.

courtesy of DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM