Professional football is so powerful in the United States that even the Pro Bowl manages to perform quite well in terms of viewership. But the NFL knows that the game itself sucks and the league continues to consider ways to tweak it in order to improve on those ratings. The latest gimmicky consideration comes via NFL Network's Albert Breer per Pro Football Talk

Albert Breer of NFL Network reported that the league is considering elements that would make the game more like a game show, such as having incentives paid out during the game. Breer said the league would like to “make it so every single minute of the game has some sort of thing that’s going to keep fans interested and engaged.”

Breer added that the NFL doesn’t “feel the need to keep the integrity of what a normal football game is.”

We had a clue changes were coming back in March, when commissioner Roger Goodell said that some consideration had been given to having team captains select the rosters. It doesn't look as though that'll be the case this upcoming year, but it seems that would go hand-in-hand with a new game show feel. 

The question is whether this is more or less likely to cause on-the-fence fans to tune in. I cover this league for a living and even I don't watch the Pro Bowl, but something novel like this might at least pique my interest as long as it doesn't cross into the absurd. I believe the skills competition is the best route to go here. Mic up all of the players involved and have them battle it out in an array of drills. Less of an injury risk, more fun for them, and probably more entertaining for us. 

[PFT]

About Brad Gagnon

Brad Gagnon has been passionate about both sports and mass media since he was in diapers -- a passion that won't die until he's in them again. Based in Toronto, he's worked as a national NFL blog editor at theScore.com, a producer and writer at theScore Television Network and a host, reporter and play-by-play voice at Rogers TV. His work has also appeared at CBSSports.com, Deadspin, FoxSports.com, The Guardian, The Hockey News and elsewhere at Comeback Media, but his day gig has him covering the NFL nationally for Bleacher Report.