Cincinnati Bengals legend Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson proposed an idea that would immediately draw attention to a game that many tune out. While the Pro Bowl, is meant to be a venue to honor the current all star performing players of the present, there is no question that it is simply not a good product on television. From dodgeball, to drone assistance, Ochocinco mentioned an idea on the Manningcast, during the Cincinnati Bengals win over the Jaguars that would certainly draw attention to the weekend festivities.
Cincinnati Bengals Current vs Past Game
Among the star studded line up of guests during the Manning brothers Monday Night Football coverage, Ochocinco laid out an idea of how to improve the Pro Bowl game. With a close game that went to overtime, during a review he said the following:
They should have the pro bowlers, the current versus the past.
This immediately prompted Peyton to ask who his quarterback choice would be. Ochocinco, loyal to his past teammate said that it would be Carson Palmer, and that Peyton would also be his pick. During the broadcast the Cincinnati Bengals legend also mentioned that he was always working out and still in shape.
You never know when you are going to get the call.
While the game has moved from a traditional game, to flag football, for safety precautions, last year showed an improved product last year compared to previous all star outings. While some would argue that the Pro Bowl should focus on current players and their most recent accomplishments.
Cincinnati Bengals Former Star Receives Response
All three agreed that it would be a fun concept to potentially explore. During the on air discussion, Peyton downplayed his current ability to throw the football. Instead, he suggested opting for more recently retired Tom Brady.
I know Brady’s still throwing down there Eli. I know he’s got some secret bunker where he’s throwing routes. So I think he’s your quarterback
The next day, likely waking up from his cryo chamber slumber, Tom Brady tweeted the following regarding the idea:
With todays rules? Give me Chad and Randy on the outside and we’re putting up 35 next week. The bunker is no secret Peyton, come get some work in.
While age wears down on bodies, and makes it harder to survive a season of taking hits, it would be fun to watch these elite legends of the game return for a once a year flag football showcase.
How The Cincinnati Bengals Retired Receiver Would Look
After hanging up the cleats, and walking off of the field for the last time there is usually a sense of being able to still contribute in a meaningful way to the game. This is why many former players enter into coaching, or the media, but if you were to hook them up to a lie detector test, undoubtedly they would truthfully think that they can still play at a high level.
As Brady alluded to, many old time players, feel that the current rule set allows for easier game play and that they would still be able to dominate as they did in their prime. While of course this new format would not put that debate to rest, it would definitely provide with more talking points and clips that would emerge from a competitive game, displaying high amounts of effort from both perspective teams.
This idea would bring up an interesting opportunity to answer, how would the past stars compete against current players. It would be great to speculate, who would be on the past squad roster, and what potential matchups would you most want to see?