PHOENIX — If you appreciated the NFL’s Pro Bowl recreation pivot this yr, you possibly can, apparently, thank Russell Wilson.
And when you didn’t just like the Pro Bowl’s new flag soccer format? As NFL commissioner Roger Goodell put it, properly, you possibly can nonetheless thank Russell Wilson.
Goodell credited the Denver Broncos’ nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback as a voice who advocated for the league’s all-star recreation to ditch its conventional deal with format in favor of a flag recreation. Speaking Wednesday from his Super Bowl week state of the league information convention, Goodell referenced a name he acquired after final yr’s Pro Bowl.
“I believe it was Russell Wilson who known as me the Tuesday afterward and stated, ‘Let’s play a flag recreation,’” Goodell stated. “When I used to be there on Thursday, the gamers have been fantastic. They liked it. They have been embracing it. They thought this was an excellent discussion board.”
The Las Vegas-based occasion featured eight abilities competitions throughout two days, in addition to seven-on-seven flag soccer. The NFC staff received 66-57, led by Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith’s 14-of-16 passing for 239 yards and 5 touchdowns, in addition to Dallas Cowboys huge receiver CeeDee Lamb’s six catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns.
Expect extra flag soccer in 2024 — and past.
“I believe we have now so much to construct on, and I don’t see us going again in any manner,” Goodell stated. “This is the long run for us. Flag is such an necessary initiative for us with boys, ladies, women and men.
“There’s simply a possibility right here for us to develop our recreation globally with flag soccer.”
Follow Yahoo Sports’ Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein.
