The NFL will release next season's schedule in less than 90 days. Several changes have been in the works including changes to the games timeline. We may see a shorter preseason and extended playoff games, as the NFL deliberates on how to better enhance the experience for the fans.
The decision on whether to discontinue the NFL Pro Bowl is one of the most pressing changes. The NFL Pro Bowl came under harsh scrutiny in 2012 due to lackluster performance, and subpar effort from the NFL players.
The game was in jeopardy of being cancelled, by the NFL Commissioner, and year-to-date, the game's fate is still under scrutiny. The NFL players must show considerable improvement in the quality and performance of the game, to continue the all-star tradition.
Jan. 22, Sports Illustrated reports, "NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Ray Anderson told reporters of the timing at a news conference Tuesday to kick off this year's Pro Bowl week in Honolulu. He said the league expects its players to play a game that fans will be proud of."
Anderson also told reporters, "Our hope is that the players will give the same effort and energy that allowed them to become roster members of this Pro Bowl,'' Anderson said.
Chicago Bears corner back Charles Tillman, a second time Pro Bowler, gave an NFL player's perspective. "The message to players has been clear." He said "players need to balance playing hard with avoiding injury, to give the fans the game they deserve. We owe it to our fans, we owe it to our viewers, to give them a little more effort than we did last year,'' Tillman said.
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