Bleacher Report columnist Michael Freeman recently wrote about the 2016 Pro Bowl being the biggest sham of them all. According to the article, this Pro Bowl is the most declined ever.
More players were invited this year than any other year. Many players rejected the opportunity for injuries or simply not wanting to play.
Who cares? That is more opportunity for young players. The Oakland Raiders had 3 players voted in. Marcel Reece, Charles Woodson and Khalil Mack earned enough fans votes to play in the game. Derek Carr, Latavius Murray and Amari Cooper were selected as alternates.
This is great for the Raiders. The franchise is in search of a new stadium and they need exposure. Fans need to see what the Silver and Black is about in the modern era. Now they will get a taste with six players were the silver helmet in the Pro Bowl.
Mack, Carr, Murray and Cooper will all make their first appearance in the game. Hopefully, it will not be their last appearance in the game. Next year Murray, Cooper and Carr should have enough exposure to get fan votes on their own.
Even though the Pro Bowl game is full of patty-caking and soft play, it will help us gauge our young players against some of the league’s elite. Eitherway, I am sure all six players are excited to get a small Pro Bowl bonus.
Well players like Philip Rivers and Tom Brady might be bored of Hawaii, I am sure the Raiders young players will enjoy it.
As for me, I finally have six reasons to watch the Pro Bowl! It should be eight because Marquette King and Gabe Jackson also deserve invites… Whatever.
