The NFL Pro Bowl as we know it has been around since 1971 (technically, it is known as the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl), but before the NFL/AFL merger the game was also played annually starting in 1951. In the 40 years the Pro Bowl has been played there has been some scrutiny from both media and fans alike, but never more than what we have seen recently. Some schools of thought state that the game should be played because, after all, it is the All-Star game of the NFL.

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