I sleep with the radio on, and about a week ago I woke up to the news that T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Miles Killebrew were the three Steelers named to the 2024 Pro Bowl.

Watt made it on being Watt; Fitzpatrick made it on being Fitzpatrick plus reputation (not the greatest year for him); and Killebrew made it because that man knows how to block punts (it might be one of the most amazing skills in all of sports).

I was in a semi-dream-like state when I heard the news, and I was just so proud of my Steelers players. Then I woke up and remembered that it was 2024, not 1984. I also remembered that the Pro Bowl as I once knew it hadn’t existed for many years. The Pro Bowl is now the Pro Bowl Games, and it’s a freaking joke.

I believe it’s hosted by either Peyton or Eli Manning. I don’t remember the particulars because I don’t care. They tried that thing about 10 years ago or so where Michael Irvin and Neon Deion Sanders were coaches or captains or something like that. Fortunately for me, I had long since outgrown my love for exhibitions and all-star sporting events. Seriously, if there isn’t anything on the line, why do I want to watch it? I’m not 10. Stuff like all-star games and Pro Bowls were pretty cool when I was nine or 10. It was neat to witness Terry Bradshaw appear in the same huddle as Earl Campbell. It was wild seeing Willie Stargell standing next to Reggie Jackson at first base.

That was then. This is now.

In case you don’t know (and I don’t even know why you’d want to know), the Pro Bowl has devolved over the years from an actual football game to one where they barely tried to tackle to now the Pro Bowl Games. The Pro Bowl Games started a year ago, and they consist of a weekend of skills competitions followed by a flag football game between NFL players who are there for some reason that is unknown to me.

Anyway, I suppose there is some value in flag football…if you’re 10.

If you’re way past that age, however? Watch something else.

If you’re a kid, more power to you. Be excited about the Pro Bowl Games. You have every right to be. Again, if you’re an adult, stop talking about it. Don’t watch it. Don’t comment on it on social media. Most importantly, don’t be angry if, for example, George Pickens didn’t get voted to the Pro Bowl. Even if you’re George Pickens or his father, there is no point in being mad.

Besides, so many players now opt out of them that if Georgie Porgie (and maybe even his dad) wants to participate in the Pro Bowl Games, he’s likely going to get his chance. Pickens managed to eclipse 1,000 yards in a hellish Steelers offense in 2023. He’ll be getting the call sooner rather than later.

Trust me on that.

Hey, I understand why current NFL players still get angry when they feel snubbed by the Pro Bowl (Games). There is usually a financial incentive written into their contracts. I’d be angry, too.

I just don’t understand why anyone who isn’t paid by the NFL even cares at this point. Don’t give the NFL more of your time. I mean, it’s obvious the league wants to remain in our consciousness every waking second of the day. How insecure does this league have to be that it still must find extra ways to stay connected to us ONE WEEK before its biggest game of the year?

Pathetic.

Just like the Pro Bowl Games.

Join me one year from now when I write another article skewering the Pro Bowl Games.