Remember NFL Pro Bowlers, the 5 D’s of dodgeball: Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge.
For years the NFL has been looking to improve the Pro Bowl, and has somehow ignored the requests to add an NBA-style competition to the game.
In a press release from the league sent out on Tuesday, the league will officially add multiple competitive events to the Pro Bowl weekend to make the event “watchable.”
A precision passing competition, best hands, relay race, and dodgeball (!!) will be a part of the festivities leading up to the Pro Bowl in February.
No word on how the league plans to protect players from concussions when a quarterback starts throwing darts across the field. Guessing they’ll wear their helmets?
The league also announced the format of the game will return to AFC vs. NFC, instead of the combined conference teams determined by a draft.
Teams will be led by captains Tony Gonzalez, Ray Lewis, Jerome Bettis, and Charles Woodson.
"Competitions include:"
- Epic Pro Bowl Dodgeball: Pro Bowlers will compete in a game of dodgeball.
- Power Relay Challenge: Four team members will compete in a timed relay race
- Precision Passing: Two players on each team will battle it out, trying to hit moving targets of varying size and distance.
- Best Hands: Quarterback and wide receiver duos from each team will show off their skills, connecting on as many pass attempts as possible before time runs out.
"Fans are encouraged to join the conversation surrounding the new Pro Bowl Skills Showdown on social media using the hashtag #ProBowlSkills."
A relay race is something I have consistently advocated for, and the hands competition should be equally as fun.
Next: NFL Needs a Skills Competition Similar to the NHL/NBA
Votes for the Pro Bowl will be collected on Friday, December 16, and the results will be announced on December 20.
“We ARE the Globo Gym Purple Cobras … and we will, we will, rock you!”