Having canceled its annual all-star game because of the coronavirus, the NFL will hold the 2021 Pro Bowl virtually, using the EA Sports Madden NFL 21 video game to simulate the showcase game, ESPN reports.
NFL games have been played this season in empty stadiums or with just a few thousand fans in the stands due to local ordinances responding to the coronavirus pandemic. More than a dozen games have been rescheduled as teams deal with outbreaks among players and staff, and players continue to test positive for the virus.
The Pro Bowl, an essentially meaningless game designed to honor the league’s best players, is held the week before the Super Bowl, but this year, the league determined that players and coaches would not be interested in traveling to participate in the game.
“Even amidst unparalleled change across the sports industry, we are excited to transition many of the signature components of the Pro Bowl — which will go virtual in Madden NFL 21 — into a new innovative experience for our players and fans,” NFL executive vice president of club business and events Peter O’Reilly said.
Pro Bowl week will instead feature video game competitions of current players playing each other, as well as games featuring former players and celebrities. The Pro Bowl game itself will be played featuring pre-set statistics in the game platform.