NFL Revamps Pro Bowl with Game Show & Punting Contest

Days after the NBA announced a revamped All-Star format, the NFL followed suit with some changes to the Pro Bowl. On Thursday, the league announced they would be adding a game show and a punting competition to the list of events. The NFL hopes the enhancements will generate more buzz around the February event.

The game show, named Helmet Harmony, will put teammates to the test in how well they know each other. We’ll also be getting Punt Perfect which will pit an NFL punter versus a non-punter in a series of events that will test leg accuracy, power, and placement.

These events will be added to the list that already involves the tug-of-war, a relay race, and the fan-favorite, dodgeball. It will all culminate with a 7-on-7 flag football game that takes place on Feb. 2 — a week before the Super Bowl.

Fans of the league should welcome the change. The various events and relaxed vibe will allow the stars of the league to shine in a different light.

It’s reminiscent of an ESPN show that aired in 2005 titled Battle of the Gridiron Stars which pitted stars from the AFC and NFC in events like rock climbing, tire tossing, and a Home Run Derby. Peyton Manning, LaDanian Tomlinson, and Chad Johnson starred while legends Archie Manning and Ken Stabler served as “coaches” for each team.

This is the third year the Pro Bowl Games will take place. These carnival-like events took the place of the traditional football game that previously was held during the Pro Bowl weekend. Years of the players on both sides not giving full effort led to the change.