The All-Star Game is America’s favorite. From the NBA to the NHL, fans have the chance to meet the stars and be dazzled by the amazing talents on display. I mean who can forget about Pedro Martinez’s pitching gem, or Magic Johnson’s show after his HIV announcement, or the MLS All-Stars’ epic comeback against the European Champion Chelsea, or Rick Nash’s fastest goal ever in the NHL All-Star Game history? So what kind of magical, superhuman, spectacular moments will we witness from the Pro Bowl, the All-Star Game for the America’s sport?

How about some exciting battles between the linemen as both the defensive and offensive line stands around looking at each other funny?

Or tense two minutes the quarterback has to actually throw the ball?

If that doesn’t excite you, how about the likes of DeMarco Murray and Antonio Brown putting in hard work and maximum effort at the Tweeting Station?

Perhaps the most boring game of the year, the Pro Bowl has earned its reputation of being a joke, and rightfully so. Since no one wants to get hurt playing FOOTBALL, virtually minimal defense is played, creating very lax atmosphere. You see Drew Brees, a quarterback, not a kicker, attempting to drop kick the extra point – and badly missing – and you can only wonder what the heck is going on. Of course, it is only an All-Star Game. No one is going to go full 100% on what is pretty much a friendly game. However, this is almost an insult to the fans.

Take a look at the MLB. The Midsummer Classic has an incentive – the home field advantage for the winning league in the World Series. The players, even if their team is not contending, gives applaudable efforts in the game. Justin Verlander hit triple digit on the radar gun, and Jose Bautista, the jewel of Toronto, made a sliding catch, almost colliding into the wall. The pitchers get pulled for bad performances and managers are pressured to win, even if it means not playing some guys. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, of course. Remember when Alex Rodriguez and Cal Ripken Jr. switched position?

The All-Star Game for NBA does have some arcade-y feeling, as the scores do run up quite high and highlight dunks seem to happen every other play. However, around half away into the fourth quarter, the game takes a serious turn and the players seem to, well, try, at the end. The 2001 All-Star Game featured a great comeback by the East, with Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury leading the charge to erase the 21-point deficit in the fourth quarter, ultimately coming out victorious 111-110.

Another thing missing is the skills challenge. The MLB, NBA, and NHL all have some sort of skills challenges before the actual game. The Home Run Derby always draws a big crowd, and same can be said about the Dunk Contest and the Shootout Contest. Considering they are regarded as one of the biggest events in their respective sports, it is confusing to see why the NFL has yet to implement such showcases. Who wouldn’t want to see Patrick Peterson and Calvin Johnson go head-to-head in the forty-yard dash or Robbie Gould and Sebastian Janikowski battle to see who has the strongest leg?

This year, total of seventeen players opted out of the Pro Bowl because of “injury,” Super Bowl participation, and “personal reasons.” You know who made the roster? Andy Dalton. Yes, that guy from the Bengals that who threw his career-low 19 touchdowns this seasons to go along with 17 picks. He was seventh alternative choice. SEVENTH. He only came to play because four of the initially selected quarterback, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and Ben Roethlisberger, decided not to play. Does he merits the roster spot as much as these other guys? NO! Absolutely not! It is a joke and a shame that he is even remotely considered to this honor. To make the players more interested, the NFL should increase the incentives. rather than awarding $50,000 to the winning team and $25,000 to the losing team, double the award for the winners. It will guarantee better performance on the field because let’s be serious. Who doesn’t want for money?

But still, Andy Dalton? You know who deserves this honor more than this toothless tiger? Eli Manning. Heck, I would even put Cam Newton ahead him. The Fan Vote is ridiculous. Majority of the fans are extremely biased, and there is no denying that. Even if the players are light years away from Pro Bowl quality, they don’t care. These dedicated animals would go to NFL.com and vote for their favorite players dozens and dozens of time. That why the likes of Justin Forsett, Philip Rivers, and Martellus Bennett are left out for superstars with name values whom underperformed. Unlike the fans, the coaches and the players would be much more objective and be able to choose the best of the bunches. Let’s turn the clock back to 1995 when the fans weren’t involved in the selection.

Also, am I the only one who thinks that it is ridiculous to have no players from the Super Bowl play in the game made for the stars? Ten players from the Seahawks and the Patriots will not be participating in this game, and the list includes superstars like Richard Sherman and Tom Brady. Out of the four major American sports, football is the only sport to hold its annual All-Star Game at the end of the season. Well, not quite at the end. Just an awkward period of time between the Conference Championship Game and the Super Bowl. Why not just put the game right in the middle of the season, so we can also get rid of those dreaded bye weeks that ruin our fantasy football? Or how about putting the game at the actual end of the season so everyone has a chance to play? Why must it be in this time period right before the Super Bowl?

Not only is it an inconvenience, but also some of the rules are down right ridiculous as a football match. You MUST have a tight end in every play, so you know, you won’t hurt their feelings. Intentional grounding is legal, which is quite ironic considering that any blitz is illegal. Also, there is no kick off just in case the kicker pulls his hamstring or the returner trips over his own feet. Yes, no one wants to get hurt in an All-Star Game, but must we treat these professional players like they are nine year olds playing in Peewee football game? I suggest that the NFL changes its format to flag or touch football rather than tackle.

Yes, I am aware that the game has changed significantly in recent years. Last year’s game produced nine sacks, and that is definitely a step towards a right direction. However, much more can be improved for this celebration of magnificent talents. Allowing more complex defensive schemes and more involvement of special teams would be ideal and will attract many fans who thinks of the Pro Bowl as a pointless, sugar-coated moneymaker. While that happens, just enjoy the game. It is an All-Star Game after all. Let the party begin.