NFL Announces 2013 Pro Bowl Will Be Played Despite Rumors

Over the past number of years, the legitimacy and necessity of the NFL Pro Bowl has been called into question. Many point to the game as "pointless"; and players like Aaron Rodgers have even spoken out about the game and players' lack of effort.

While Rodgers and a handful of other players have spoken out, the NFL Players Association is collectively saying the game should go on. NFLPA President Domonique Foxworth spoke on behalf of the players, saying:

The players believe that the Pro Bowl is an important tradition. We worked hard with the league to make sure the best players in the NFL are honored for their achievements on the field.

NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Ray Anderson further elaborated on the joint effort between the NFL and the NFLPA to keep the game and improve it for fans, saying:

The players have made it clear through the NFL Players Association that they would like the opportunity to continue to play the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. We will support the players on this initiative to improve the Pro Bowl. We have had many discussions with the players in recent years about the Pro Bowl and they recognize that the quality of the game has not been up to NFL standards. We look forward to working with the players toward the goal of improving the competitiveness of this season’s game.

The key takeaway is that both the players and the league realize there is something left to be desired by the game. As far as what will be done in order to make it a more exciting experience, no details have been revealed.

The upcoming season's game will be played January 27 in Hawaii, the week before this year's Super Bowl.

[NFL.com]