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Remember watching the NFL Pro Bowl as a youngster and marveling at the sparkling array of stars on the field. Gayle Sayers, Bart Starr, Jim Brown and John Unitas were incredible to watch on a black and white TV as they plied their trade on the Los Angeles Coliseum playing surface. Fans who held NFL Pro Bowl tickets were the envy of everyone. The game back then wasn't as glitzy as the present day offering in Honolulu. These days, there is more flash and less dash but the game still features a star-studded collection of professional football talent.
The first NFL post season All-Star game was held back in 1939. The match-up back then was the NFL Champion versus a collection of the league's best. The All Stars succumbed to the New York Giants at LA's Wrigley Field. The game wasn't played again until 1951and then continued as a battle between NFL Conferences. The NFL/AFL merger caused a reconfiguration to NFC vs. AFC. Since 1980 the game has been played in Honolulu.
The list of most valuable players from these games reads as a "Who's-Who" of the NFL. Lee Roy Selmon, Kellen Winslow, Dan Fouts, Joe Theismann, Phil Simms, Reggie White, Bruce Smith, Jerry Rice, Michael Irvin, Jim Kelly, Warren Moon, Marshall Faulk, Randy Moss and Rich Gannon to name just a few. The list of incredible stars that participated but were never so honored is even more illustrious. Much like the NBA game, the Pro Bowl can sometimes become an offensive shoot out, as witnessed by the 2004 game which ended a 55-52 NFC victory with Marc Bulger throwing four touchdown passes. The NFC also won the 2001 game 51-31.
These days when you attend the NFL pro Bowl in Hawaii, you are treated to a variety of events that make it an event worth remembering. You are free to watch the two squads as they go through their practice regimens the week before the game. There are a variety of celebrations sponsored by the NFL, which are sure to feature the game's greats and of course, beautiful cheerleaders. NFL Block Parties are held where the entire family can relax and enjoy great food and entertainment. All week long the emphasis is on having fun and in a very real way, celebrating the NFL season just passed.
The NFL Pro Bowl has come a long way since those early get togethers in Los Angeles. In those days, the NFL was a growing, awkward child that knew little of today's marketing techniques. If you are not so fortunate to have NFL Pro Bowl tickets, there is always television. But if you can find a way, head for Honolulu to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii and take in an historic football game and remember those 1939 "Stars" that started it all. |
