JJ Watt, former defensive end, discussed his opinions on the Pro Bowl and how current players are regarding the exciting tournament. The 2025 Pro Bowl will be held from 30th January to 2nd February but has attracted complaints from football fans for not showing off enough star players.
JJ Watt discussed the topic in his appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’, and remarked that the tournament has lost its shine because of players not giving it too much importance. JJ Watt also mentioned that the players cannot be blamed since they might not want to risk getting injured in the Pro Bowl.
“I think it’s okay to just admit that something has run its course. I think there was obviously a time where it held a serious level of prestige and honor, and guys went and thoroughly enjoyed it and played and put in some great effort. I mean, obviously the Sean Taylor clip comes to mind. But I think over the years, the way the business has grown and the way that the risk level has gone through the roof, for if you’re a guy in a contract year, or if you were, God to forbid, to get hurt in that Pro Bowl, what it means for your next season, what it means for your career, for these teams, it just does not make sense. It just is what it is. So understandably, that’s why they’ve gone to this, whatever flag, you know, playing Capture the Flag format,” JJ Watt said on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’.
How are you gonna fix the Pro Bowl @JJWatt
😂😂 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/RafAfspW5q
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 29, 2025
One of the main reasons as to why the 2025 Pro Bowl has not gained much traction is simply because of the lack of star players. For instance, rookie quarterback Drake Maye is being featured in the Pro Bowl, and this was called out by numerous NFL fans on social media.
JJ Watt Proposes New Name For Pro Bowl
On the other side, JJ Watt took to his X account to post his feelings about the Pro Bowl and suggested a new name for the lackluster tournament, the ‘Participation Bowl’. Many star quarterbacks and players have voluntarily opted out of the Pro Bowl, including Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, CeeDee Lamb, and T.J Watt.
JJ Watt himself played in the 2013 NFL Pro Bowl Team and completed a total of 12 seasons in the NFL. JJ Watt mainly played as a defensive end and played for the Houston Texans. JJ Watt was the 11th pick in the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft and was selected by the Houston Texans where he played from 2011 to 2020.
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