Should the NFL Dump the Pro-Bowl?

It is an honor to be selected to the NFL Pro Bowl. It means that you are one of the top athletes at your position, and it should be an honor to be picked to represent your team in Honolulu. Not only do you represent your team, you represent your city, those fans and your fellow teammates. This year, there have been many Pro Bowl drop-outs due to supposed injuries. The most notable players being Chicago Bear linebacker Brian Urlacher and San Diego Charger quarterback Phillip Rivers. But, is it really these trivial injuries that are keeping these stars from making the trip to Honolulu?

Brian Urlacher just finished his season with a loss in the Super Bowl to the Indianapolis Colts. He played well, and to the fan's knowledge, had no injuries to speak of. So what is different now? Urlacher claims that he has been playing with an injured big toe for the better portion of the playoffs. Many fans in Chicago don't buy it, and are somewhat upset with the All Pro for not making the trip to the Pro Bowl. Urlacher, who spent the better portion of the week following the Super Bowl in Florida, is not likely to even make the trip out to Honolulu. As a result, some fans are insulted that Urlacher wouldn't want to join his fellow All Pro players in Honolulu to at least represent the city, even if he sits out due to his supposed injury. Chicagoans are a proud bunch of people. They love their city, it's atmosphere, and most of all, it's sports teams. For one of Chicago's (and the NFL's) best players to decline the honor is unacceptable.