The Pro Bowl used to be a big deal, but now, it’s barely holding players’ interest. This year, a whopping 24 NFL stars have decided to skip the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, leaving fans with a roster packed with backups. Sure, Super Bowl players always sit out, but this year’s dropouts go way beyond that.
So, what’s really going on? Why are so many top names bailing on the event? Let’s break it down.
Top NFL Stars Declining Pro Bowl Invitations
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, and Washington Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels all declined their invitations. Ravens running back Derrick Henry is also out.
And the list doesn’t end there. The final roster features 24 replacement players due to dropouts. The NFL named Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye as Jackson’s replacement, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson for Allen, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield for Daniels, and Bills running back James Cook for Henry.
When you get 5 alternates deep, just call it the Participation Bowl.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 28, 2025
But it’s not just about injuries. Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, and others have turned down the opportunity outright. Stroud even declined an alternate spot, signaling a growing disinterest in the Games.
What’s Behind The Mass Exodus?
Injuries are part of the story. Jackson, Allen, and St. Brown all cited physical concerns as their reason for skipping the event. However, other players seem uninterested, suggesting the event itself is losing its appeal.
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The Pro Bowl changed from a full-contact all-star game to a skills competition in 2022, but the switch hasn’t done much to make it more appealing. Instead of traditional football, the Games now include flag football, dodgeball, and other skill-based activities. What was once an elite shows has become a lighthearted exhibition, and players just aren’t excited about it.
Also Read: Why Is The Super Bowl Always Played On Sunday?
Declining Viewership & Loss of Prestige
The Pro Bowl Games aren’t just losing players- they’re losing viewers. The 2024 event drew an average of just 5.793 million viewers across ESPN networks, marking the lowest viewership for a Pro Bowl since the 2021 virtual celebration during the COVID-19 pandemic.
if these numbers get u into the pro bowl please remove this event https://t.co/bYad2Pobsc pic.twitter.com/JYVPMQY6QW
— AK 🏝️ (@aklilayyyyyy) January 28, 2025
The lack of top talent only makes things worse. If the league’s biggest stars don’t show up, fans won’t either.
What’s Next For The Pro Bowl?
The NFL faces a problem. The Pro Bowl was once a marquee event, but now, players and fans alike seem indifferent. The skills competition format hasn’t won over athletes, and viewership is plummeting. Unless the NFL finds a way to make the event meaningful again, the Pro Bowl could soon become a thing of the past.
For now, fans will have to settle for a Pro Bowl Games filled with backups and alternates- a far cry from the star-studded event it used to be.
Also Read: 10 NFL Hall Of Famers That Were Nobodies Until An Epic Playoff Run
