Orlando, FL. – Pro Bowl 2020. The stage has been set all week. Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson, Russel Wilson, Drew Brees, Derrick Henry. Some of the world’s best athletes come together to play one game. Once a year. Not very hard. Conference v conference. AFC v NFC.
The NFC got the ball to start the 2020 edition of the Pro Bowl, Drew Brees started at quarterback due to Russell Wilson giving up the starting spot to him out of respect. Brees’ first drive ended in a 3-and-out. The AFC’s first drive didn’t end any better, it might’ve felt way better but a Lamar Jackson interception in the endzone didn’t feel right. That wasn’t the only thing that didn’t feel right. The game itself didn’t feel right as there was horrendous news that circulated through Camping World Stadium and the world, Kobe Bryant had passed away in a helicopter crash.
A wave of sadness and gloom had hit the Pro Bowl right before the game started. The legendary NBA superstar made an impact on many people’s lives, including Lamar Jackson. “We saw it on our phones in the locker room before the game, we don’t want to see (any)thing like that happen to (any)body” said Jackson.
Although the weight of Kobe’s passing weighed heavy on everyone’s shoulders, the guys on the field carried that weight and gave Orlando the best Pro Bowl game yet. The game ended 38-33 with the AFC winning their 4th consecutive Pro Bowl in a row. Lamar Jackson finished as the games offensive MVP throwing for 185 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. The games defensive MVP also stayed with the AFC in the Jaguars Calais Campbell. Campbell finished the game with a solo tackle, a sack and a forced fumble, one that turned into a TJ Watt fumble recovery for a touchdown.
The City of Orlando has once again put a bid in to host the 2021 Pro Bowl and will soon come to find out if it will be held here again.
A week from today’s game, the Super Bowl will kickoff for the NFL’s 100th season. The Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers just four hours south of Orlando in Miami. The game will be aired on Fox and coverage will begin at 6:30.
Written by Zach Bartkus
