The NFL is missing out on a huge cash cow.

With a record number of players missing this year's Pro Bowl due to injuries (dandruff, hangnails, etc.) they're missing out on a huge opportunity to fatten up the cash register. With no offence to Hawaii, they should move the game to Vegas. Here my reasons why.

1). Since there's no bettng line for the game, there can't be any wagers on the game anyway. We all know how much the NFL loves gambling.

2). Since the game is not 2,500 miles away from the closest NFL city, more fans could attend the game.

3). They could set up "Team Hotels" with players from entire teams staying there as kind of a free vacation. While they're there, hold autograph sessions for the fans and charge for the signings, admission, photo-op's, etc.... Take all that money they make off that and donate it to their charities. Who knows how much money could be made off something like this.

I know there's a lot of pros and cons to the game being played there, but I think that there more upside than down.

Rau

I'm watching Grease LIVE on FOX instead of the stupid pro bowl.

I like your idea of turning the Pro Bowl into more of an in-person event instead of a TV event. But then I heard the 2007 NBA all star game in Vegas had some of its own issues so maybe Vegas is content to not host any more all star games.

I think the free vacation to Hawaii is what motivates many of the players to actually show up as opposed to going the Tom Brady route.

I think the pro bowl long ago went the way of the skins game in golf. The financial incentive hasn't existed for years. The only other factor is location. Nice place, but a place any of those players involved could easily afford without chancing a fluke injury. LV is the greatest NFL city without a team and a lot of NFL players like to visit, but there's just not much incentive to play, wherever it is. I think these days, "The nomination is the real award," actually applies.

Good Luck!
Ric at Joes

The thing is, how is mega- super star "Joe Blow" going to explain not showing up in Vegas to sign autographs for charity even if he's not playing in the game because he's "hurt". If this guy could command $300 a pop for a signature, how can he blow off not making a huge amount of money for a worthy cause for just a couple hours of his time.

Ray

New Rules

AFC vs NFC
If you don't play you get suspended for 1 game next season.
If your side loses you get suspended for 1 game next season.
If you don't play and your side loses you get suspended for 2 games next season.
If your side wins you get paid for three extra games next season....and get an option to opt out of a future pro-bowl.
If your side wins, your division gets to receive both halves in the following year's Super Bowl

Another suggestion - based on the English Premier Soccer league

Have the two worst teams (based upon regular season record / standard tie breaker rules) play for the #1 draft pick.
Winner gets the pick
Loser gets pick #3 instead in the 1st round and all subsequent rounds

This year would have pitted the Cleveland Browns against the Tennessee Titans in a "Real" game that meant something.....AND Johnny Manzel would have a free weekend in Vegas!

The biggest loser bowl? Maybe Oprah could sponsor it.