Jason Kelce opts out of 2022 Pro Bowl, raises question of why it still exists

After a stellar season, Jason Kelce is heading into the offseason early. Last night it was reported that Kelce would be opting out of the 2022 Pro Bowl, citing no specific reason. The All-Pro center likely is just exhausted from the 2021 season and didn’t feel a need to play one more unnecessary game.

#Eagles C Jason Kelce backed out of the Pro Bowl. No official reason given, but it was a long season and he had various bumps and bruises.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) February 2, 2022

Kelce was one of five Eagles to be selected, including Darius Slay, Javon Hargrave, Jake Elliott, and Josh Sweat.

Several years ago, only players participating in the Super Bowl or dealing with an injury wouldn’t play. But as the Pro Bowl has become of less importance, and the football world pays almost no attention to it these days, leading to more and more players opting-out.

It makes sense when you realize how much money is on the line for these players participating in a game that is high-risk, extremely low reward. One example is Drew Brees, who dislocated his elbow during the 2006 Pro Bowl, and before that, there was Robert Edwards.

Edwards was a running back selected in the first round by the New England Patriots. The rookie had a dominant season, rushing for 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns. That offseason, he was selected to the Pro Bowl to participate in a rookie flag football game. During the game, Edwards suffered a brutal leg injury, which nearly required amputation.

Luckily, Edwards returned to play but was quickly out of the NFL and was never the same, all thanks to an unneeded injury.

Nobody watches the Pro Bowl anymore because it’s incredibly boring to watch neither side try for four quarters. And players don’t want to risk injury, so who’s benefitting here? Just focus on the pre-game events from the early 2000s, like the QB competitions and dodgeball, or better yet, just don’t have it all anymore.

If you wish to watch the 2022 Pro Bowl for whatever reason, it takes place this Sunday at 3 PM in Las Vegas.

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images