Even as a child I never really had any illusions as to what the NFL Pro Bowl was, but the 2009 installment has become quite the charade. Bad enough that the voting in recent years has made selection more of a popularity contest than anything else, but now because the game is played before the Super Bowl 
it has now 
become an absolute joke. Second and third alternates starting in the game used to be the norm, this year promises to feature fourth, fifth and in at least one instance a sixth alternate. Give me a break. By the way, some of you out there still recovering from Brett Favre
being well, Brett Favre, are now groaning over the announcement that Bryant McKinnie was booted from the Pro Bowl. Weary Vikings fans, take some solace in knowing that the bum had no business being selected in the first place, but I digress.Scheduling issues aside, at this point I would much rather see the NFL replace the Pro Bowl altogether and feature a skills event instead. A mere ‘Punt, Pass, and Kick’competition might be a little boring, but I’m not ready for a Herschel Walker
inspired mixed martial arts spectacle either. Who didn’t like seeing the NFL’s strongest man competition, fastest man, quarterback challenge, and the obstacle course? I don’t know, does the league still hold those contests? If not, I say bring ‘em back with a vengeance. Do it with the full complement of NFL regalia too. Get rid of those red and blue outfits, and have the players wearing t-shirts and shorts from their respective teams. The television coverage of these events had consisted primarilyof highlights, kind of like watching Wide World of Sports 
back in the day, but since the NFL network is compelled to feed us every moment of the NFL Combine, why not give us these events in their entirety too? 
Not to worry, sure as anything, later today I’ll plop down on the couch, crack open a cold frosty one, and watch the festivities. Either that or maybe watch some of the X-Games, although I guess I already missed Gretchen Bleiler winning her 4th Gold in the Woman's Superpipe. Just biding my time until Super Bowl XLIV
gets here.This isn't an observation or mere speculation, after all, it's a Jack Fact.
