While public perception of the Pro Bowl has shifted towards the negative over the past two decades, the NFL’s all-star game still carries some weight — from being used as an argument in Hall of Fame debates (even though the fairness of this should be questioned) to the real-life consequence of bonus money being tied to the nomination. Consequently, being named to the Pro Bowl is still perceived as an honor by the players.
“It’s an honor to work hard and be recognized because sometimes you don’t get recognized,” New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore told reporters yesterday (via the Providence Journal’s Mark Daniels).