Why the Pro Bowl overstayed its welcome, and how the new event could be a win for everyone

Aaron Rodgers leaned into the microphone and let it fly.

Speaking two days after the 2011 Pro Bowl, the Green Bay Packers quarterback said: “I’ll be honest with you. I was a little bit disappointed. I felt like some of the guys on the NFC side embarrassed themselves.”

Click here to read the story at espn.com.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is an exhibition event?
2. Why do you think professional sports leagues like the NFL host all-star events like the Pro Bowl every year?
3. Why is a quality product important in sports and entertainment?
4. Why do you think the NFL chose to eliminate the Pro Bowl game this year?
5. What are they replacing it with?
6. Do you think there are any changes the league could have made to the Pro Bowl game itself more watchable? Why or why not?
7. Why do you think it took the NFL so long to eliminate the Pro Bowl game?
8. Why is flag football important to the NFL?
9. Do you think fans will tune in to watch the new format? Why or why not?
10. Why is that important to the NFL?