Pittsburgh Steelers star defensive tackle Cam Heyward has made a passionate plea to the NFL, urging the league to bring back the traditional Pro Bowl format with full-contact tackling.
Heyward took to social media to voice his opinion, tweeting, “Bring back the real Pro Bowl game!! Pass rushers need to eat!” His sentiment echoes the frustration of many defensive linemen and fans who feel that the Pro Bowl has lost its competitive edge.
The Shift to a Non-Contact Pro Bowl
In 2023, the NFL replaced the traditional tackle Pro Bowl with a revamped format featuring skill competitions and a 7-on-7 flag football game. The shift came after years of declining intensity in the Pro Bowl, as players hesitated to engage in full-contact play due to concerns about injury risks.
The old format featured an 11-on-11 full-contact game with helmets and pads, allowing all positions—including linemen—to fully participate. The new format, however, primarily highlights skill players like quarterbacks, wide receivers, and defensive backs, leaving linemen like Heyward with little role beyond their designated skill events.
Mixed Reactions from Players and Fans
The change has received mixed reactions from players and fans alike. Some argue that the flag football format is a safer and more entertaining way to showcase talent, while others believe it undermines the essence of football as a physical sport.
Heyward’s comments reflect the dissatisfaction of many defensive and offensive linemen who feel sidelined by the current format. Defensive players, especially pass rushers, thrived in the old format, using the Pro Bowl as an opportunity to showcase their skills against top-tier competition.
The Future of the Pro Bowl
The NFL has made it clear that player safety is a top priority, but Heyward’s call for change raises an important question: Can the league find a middle ground that preserves both safety and competition? Some possible solutions include modifying the game to allow controlled tackling or introducing position-specific competitions for linemen.
For now, the Pro Bowl remains in its skill-based format, but with voices like Heyward’s growing louder, the NFL may have to reconsider the future of its annual all-star event. Whether the traditional Pro Bowl game makes a comeback remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—many players, particularly those in the trenches, miss the physicality and authenticity of the old format.
