The NFL Pro Bowl has undergone significant changes in recent years, transitioning from a traditional all-star game to a skills competition format featuring flag football, dodgeball, and other events. This shift has drawn criticism, with some, like five-time Pro Bowler J.J. Watt, expressing their discontent.

The number of players withdrawing from the Pro Bowl has increased, prompting the selection of numerous replacements. This year, quarterbacks Jayden Daniels, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson all bowed out, citing injuries. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, eliminated in the divisional playoff round, also withdrew due to injury. The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, competing in Super Bowl LIX, had a combined eleven players replaced. Such a high number of replacements is not unusual, as Super Bowl participants typically skip the Pro Bowl, and other players often withdraw due to injuries or other reasons.

The sheer volume of replacements, however, prompted a pointed remark from J.J. Watt. With twenty-four players stepping in for original selections, Watt took to social media to express his frustration, calling the event the "Participation Bowl." This comment highlights the ongoing debate about the relevance and value of the Pro Bowl in its current format.

Originally, eighty-two players were selected, forty-one for each team. With the addition of alternates, the total number of Pro Bowlers this season reached 106. This significant increase further underscores Watt's concerns about the diluted nature of the event.

J.J. Watt during the 2014 Pro Bowl. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

J.J. Watt warming up before the 2013 Pro Bowl. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

This year's Pro Bowl Games took place in Orlando, Florida.