NFL players union frustrated by Pro Bowl changes

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In Florida to help kick off the Pro Bowl, leaders of the NFL Players Association expressed frustration with the league changing the game’s location and positioning it before Super Bowl.

Players Association president and Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae and Executive Director DeMaurice Smith said the union’s concerns include moving the game from Hawaii – its home for the past 30 years – and depriving Super Bowl players from starring in their All-Star game. They’re also not pleased Super Bowl players must attend the game to receive their Pro Bowl pay.

“How many of them show up, I don’t know,” Mawae said. “Some of those guys voiced their frustration because they want to be with their teams when they travel here on Monday, which is part of the Super Bowl experience.

“Some of those guys will probably come on Sunday, fly back to their home teams and fly back again on Monday.”

Some club seats and a few single seats are still available, but the Pro Bowl has officially been declared a sellout with about 70,500 tickets sold, NFL officials said.