The 2020 NFL Pro Bowl took place in Orlando, on a day in the sports world that was overshadowed by the utterly tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, and all the victims on the fateful helicopter crash in Calabasas County, LA. The world was beginning to find out about one of, if not the biggest, tragedies in sports as the players were finishing pre-game warmups on the field. The game was fully underway as more news started to break, with several player interviews turning into live first-reaction videos of the passing of Bryant. The AFC ultimately took care of the NFC 38-33, behind another impressive performance from Lamar Jackson (16/23, 185 yards, 2 TDs, 1 Int).
Jackson was named Offensive MVP and was also the youngest QB to ever start in a Pro-Bowl. Calais Campbell of the Jacksonville Jaguars was named Defensive MVP after one tackle, one sack, and a forced fumble. Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens Tight End) lead all receivers with nine catches, 73 yards, and a touchdown. Packers star Wide Receiver Davante Adams honored Kobe after catching his second touchdown of the day by celebrating with a 360 dunk over the crossbar.
Rest in Paradise Mamba 🐍 https://t.co/BhEHxChjRv
— Davante Adams (@tae15adams) January 26, 2020
The NFL also did some strange new rule testing that ended up playing a r
ole late in the game. In a strange scenario that, if implemented, could increase excitement for the fans in critical parts of the game, the scoring team was given the choice of allowing the opponent to take possession at its 25-yard line or keep the ball and go for the equivalent of a fourth-and-15 play at its own 25. The general premise of the rule change would be to take away the on-side kick, but also allow some sort of game-changing swing.
Late in the fourth quarter, the NFC scored to get within five points of the AFC but failed on the two-point conversion. With Kirk Cousins under center at the time, the NFC took a risk on the 4th-and-15 play. Cousins ended up throwing a pick which lead to the AFC running out the clock to end the game, but it gave the fans their moneys-worth. A new rule change would definitely change how the game is played in a monumental way.
