The NFL is officially ending the Pro Bowl after 75 years, folding the whole deal into Super Bowl week. Can you believe it? Right after that bombshell dropped, we got word that Patrick Mahomes is sitting out the Chiefs’ preseason finale against our very own Seattle Seahawks. Yeah, you read that right.
The Pro Bowl Is Toast: What This Means for NFL Honors
For decades, we’ve watched the Pro Bowl, sometimes with a grimace, sometimes just for the fun of seeing the league’s best in one place. But let’s be real, it hasn’t been “competitive play” for ages, has it? Now, after 75 years, it’s GONE. The league confirmed it this Wednesday, making it official that the standalone event is done. Instead of a game, they’re rolling out a new format that’ll see 88 players get Pro Bowl honors without alternates. It means guys will still get that recognition, which is huge for contract incentives throughout their careers. They’ll still get their due, which is important, but no more tackling-optional football in Hawaii or wherever it landed lately. The first All-Star Game was way back in 1939, but this era is officially over. It’s a bold move, but honestly, it’s probably for the best.
Mahomes on the Sideline Against Our Hawks!
Now, let’s talk about something closer to home, even if it’s just preseason. Patrick Mahomes, the dude who tore his knee up in December, is apparently ready for Week 1. He confirmed he’ll be on track to start September 14 against the Denver Broncos. But here’s the kicker for us: he’s sitting out Friday’s preseason finale against the Seahawks! This is the first time in his entire career he’s missed a full preseason. He sounds locked in, though, saying, “If I did everything the right way, I would be ready to play Week 1.” And you know Mahomes: “I’m someone, if you put a target in front of me, I want to go out and get it and maximize every single opportunity.” He’s treating this week like a game week, taking notes and watching film. With Justin Fields unlikely to play and Chris Oladokun in concussion protocol, it’ll be rookie Garrett Nussmeier handling the bulk of the snaps for the Chiefs. Coach Andy Reid even said Nussmeier’s “done a nice job, thrown right in the fire with the first group.” So, no Mahomes magic against our Emerald City squad this week, but it sounds like he’s ready to roll when it counts.
What a day, huh? Big league news and then a Chiefs’ update that affects our Hawks’ preseason finale. It’s tough not seeing a top-tier QB, even in a meaningless game, but getting our guys some reps against a tough opponent’s backups still matters. With the regular season right around the corner for our Seahawks, you can bet Mike Macdonald and the crew are focused on getting Sam Darnold and those weapons like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp primed for battle. Week 1 can’t come soon enough!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
Leave a Reply