2014 NFL Pro Bowl to Shake Up NFL All-Star Game With Fantasy Draft
Major changes are coming to the way the NFL runs the Pro Bowl in 2014.
The football all-star game will now be a fan-friendly voting player draft of sorts that will not focus on divisional play between the AFC and NFC. The new format will see stars pitted against each other from all teams regardless of division or even if they are teammates.
The new changes were proposed by NFLPA President Domonique Foxworth and he will change the system that has been in place since 1971.
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The players will be drafted by two NFL.com fantasy football winners along with two players who received the most votes to be assist captains. Joining the fantasy football coaches and players will be Hall of Fame NFL legends, Deion Sanders and Jerry Rice.
"As players, we wanted to keep the Pro Bowl to honor excellence in individual performance and connect with the fans in a different environment," Foxworth said in a statement through NFL. "To do that, I worked with a group of players to map out new ideas."
The draft will take place on Wednesday January 22 on the NFL Network, and the game will be on the 26 in Hawaii and the coaches will be from the losing teams of the AFC and NFC divisional series.
The teams will have Thursday, Friday, and Saturday to practice and work out together before their game.
"We were very receptive to the ideas that Domonique and the players put forth," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on NFL.com. "From there, our office worked closely with him in developing the concept. The players made it clear that they wanted to continue the Pro Bowl and were committed to making it better than ever. We think these changes will enhance the game for both fans and players."
The rosters will consist of 43 players and their will be a number of changes to the rules regarding kickoffs and time limits.
