Think what you will about the Pro Bowl, but participants are calling 2018's installment - a 24-23 comeback victory for the AFC - a success.
"I think it was because there were so many great fans out there and guys wanted to put on a good show and really get this Pro Bowl up to the standard that we wanted it to be at," said Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN.
Participating in the 11th Pro Bowl of his career, Witten caught two passes on four targets for 16 yards.
While no one wants to get hurt or cause an injury to a fellow player in what's merely an exhibition game put on for fans, New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan said it can be difficult to change the mentality players are so accustomed to when taking the field.
"At the end of the day, it's hard to play this game at any sort of a lower tempo than what you're used to," Jordan said. "Honestly, it's hard not to go hard, especially when you're going against some of the best players in our league. You almost want to go (full speed). It takes so much to not go full speed, so I don't even try to fight it."
Others appeared to share that same mentality. Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker would go on to win Offensive MVP, but it was the NFC's defense that set the competitive tone, with Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith's early pick-6, and another two interceptions from Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson.
