Former NFL superstar JJ Watt has made it clear that he’s done with the league’s annual Pro Bowl, calling it “meaningless” and saying that it’s “run its course.” Watt, who retired after a stellar 12-year career, didn’t hold back in sharing his thoughts on the event, which has often been criticized for lacking the intensity and competitive spirit that the NFL is known for.

The Pro Bowl, traditionally held at the end of the NFL season, was initially designed to celebrate the league’s best players and give fans the chance to see their favorite stars face off in a fun, exhibition-style game. However, in recent years, the event has been met with increasing scrutiny, as players have been more focused on avoiding injury rather than competing at a high level. Watt, who was selected to five Pro Bowls in his career, has witnessed the evolution of the event, and it’s safe to say he’s not a fan of where it’s headed.

A Lack of Competition

Watt’s frustration with the Pro Bowl stems from the lack of competitiveness, something he’s experienced first-hand during his time in the league. He argued that the game has become more of a casual event than an actual showcase of talent, with players opting to go through the motions rather than truly compete. As someone who built a reputation on giving 100% effort on the field, Watt believes the Pro Bowl no longer provides an authentic representation of what the NFL is about.

“It’s run its course,” Watt stated in a recent interview. “When I played, I went out there, and I did my best. But when you have a game where guys are just trying not to get hurt and not really competing, it loses its meaning. I think it’s time for a change.”

The Shift in Pro Bowl Format

The event has already undergone significant changes in recent years to address some of these concerns. The NFL has moved away from the traditional full-contact game and introduced skills challenges, flag football, and other events designed to entertain fans without risking injury. Despite these changes, Watt remains unconvinced that the Pro Bowl is truly serving its original purpose anymore.

In fact, some of the most successful and memorable moments from the Pro Bowl in recent years have been from players showcasing their talents in non-traditional formats like the skills challenges, where the focus is more on fun and skill rather than full-on competition. Watt’s point is that the Pro Bowl as a whole has shifted away from being a genuine competitive event and more into a display of fluff.

The Future of the Pro Bowl

While Watt’s comments may be harsh, they reflect a growing sentiment among fans and players alike: Is the Pro Bowl still relevant? For many, the event has lost the luster it once had, with the rise of injury concerns and the growing importance of the postseason making it harder for players to care about a non-competitive all-star game. Players are now prioritizing rest and recovery in a sport as physically demanding as football, especially after long and grueling seasons.

Watt’s frustration also speaks to a larger issue in the NFL—how to maintain fan engagement and reward the league’s top players while balancing player safety and competitive integrity. As the Pro Bowl continues to evolve, the NFL will likely face more pressure to redefine the event in a way that keeps both players and fans excited.

Conclusion: Time for a Change?

For now, Watt believes it’s time to reimagine the Pro Bowl, or potentially even retire it altogether. The event has become a shadow of its former self, with its original purpose of showcasing the NFL’s best talents in a competitive setting now lost in the shuffle of commercialized fun. Whether or not the NFL will heed Watt’s criticism remains to be seen, but it’s clear that many, including one of the game’s fiercest competitors, believe the Pro Bowl is in need of a serious overhaul.

As the NFL looks ahead, it may be time to reconsider how they celebrate their stars and whether a new, more meaningful event could replace the traditional Pro Bowl format. Until then, Watt’s words may ring true for many football fans: the Pro Bowl has, indeed, run its course.