The once great Pro Bowl matchup of red vs. blue jerseys in Hawaii the week before the Super Bowl with guys that actually deserved to be there and wanted to play are long gone.

However, to the NFL’s credit, they’ve continued to tweak what the unwatchable Pro Bowl had become and came up with a series of skills competitions and team events that have at least been somewhat entertaining the last couple of years.

The last real ‘game’ was back in 2021 when Mac Jones made the AFC squad as like a fifth alternate. He infamously did the Griddy on a touchdown that was called back, went viral, made the playoffs and then partially self sabotaged his Patriots career (while getting horrendous coaching situations) from that point on.

Hopefully, that’s not going to happen to the latest Patriots rookie QB to go to the Pro Bowl.

Drake Maye is heading to Orlando to participate in the Pro Bowl Games this Thursday and Sunday. The ‘Skills Showdown’ is Thursday night live on ESPN (8:30) and the Championship (flag football game) is also on ESPN and ABC on Sunday at 3 p.m. Maye is replacing Lamar Jackson who was initially voted in along with Joe Burrow and Josh Allen. Russell Wilson is replacing Allen.

Maye being considered next in line as a guy the NFL wants to showcase is actually impressive given that his rookie year was obviously a roller coaster ride and the numbers weren’t all that great. Maye ended up finishing with 2,976 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with 421 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Still, it’s clear to anyone that’s watched him – especially after the miracle play against the Titans – that he’s a special talent.

He’ll get to show off some of that talent and ‘aw shucks’ personality this week. The more national exposure for Maye right now, the better. The Pats need all the positivity they can get and Maye might even be able to talk some free agents or soon-to-be free agents into joining the journey back to greatness.