NFL Pro Bowl: Is It Really Worth To Play Anymore?

The NFL Pro Bowl was played in Hawaii yesterday with the NFC winning 30-21 at Hawaii stadium. I wonder how many people actually wanted to watch or listen to the game, besides myself, a few others, and people betting on the outcome of this exhibition game. I think All Star games in professional team sports has more than worn out their luster simply because the coaches, players, and league officials know the game means nothing. If anything, I think being named to an All Star roster is an honor a player would definitely take. Playing an actual game where big franchise players may accidentally get hurt is a threat that damages the games that really count in the regular season and playoffs. Even though the number of actual major injuries in All Star games may be minuscule, the threat can never be completely eradicated and it affects the level of game play on the field or on the court. Sure the winner in the Pro Bowl got $40,000 and the losing team received $20,000. Heck there are even boosters in contracts for players who make the All Star roster, yet I do not think their bonuses would be taken away if they did not play in the actual game. How many players actually want to play in the game besides first timers or rookies who made the team? It is the honor of being named an All Star that would be sufficient enough for me as a player and as a fan. Giving the Pro Bowlers a week to "prepare" for a game is an absolute joke because they probably spend more time in their secluded hotel with their teammates and family members than they do practicing for the game. The popularity of the Pro Bowl game seems to lessen each season because people would rather just meet and greet these players instead of watching some mundane FB draw to Le'Ron McClain up the middle for 3 yards. It really is a waste of time for all parties involved because the Super Bowl is the final game of the NFL season and no player wants to put pads on again and play in a meaningless game a few weeks or months following the conclusion of their team's season. Just name the Pro Bowlers and forget the game, but that will never happen because the NFL is always looking for a way to bring in one more game for revenue. Unfortunately it seems to get tougher with practically not selling out the game and forcing a potential TV blackout. Now next season, in an even more ingenious move by Goodell and company, the Pro Bowl will be played a week before the Super Bowl in Miami. So if Tom Brady recovers, leads the Patriots to the Super Bowl, and is named a Pro Bowler, do you honestly think he will play in a game that means nothing? These guys running the NFL, NBA, and MLB may have some sort of business plan I hope, but common sense is blatantly absent more time than not.