How bad is it for the Pro Bowl this year? Even coaches are bowing out

Earlier this week, news came that all seven New England Patriots players named to the Pro Bowl were backing out of the exhibition in Hawaii, meaning seven other players were offered the chance the Patriots players weren’t taking. But the Patriots players weren’t alone – because so many who were initially named to the all-star game have bowed out, a whopping 133 players are considered Pro Bowlers this season.

And it isn’t just players, either: on Wednesday night, the Green Bay Packers announced that coach Mike McCarthy, who was supposed to coach the team headed by Michael Irvin with his staff, would not be taking part.

The team statement read: “Head coach Mike McCarthy will not attend this week’s Pro Bowl in Hawaii because of a stomach illness. Doctors have advised him not to travel at this time.

“Associate head coach/linebackers Winston Moss will handle his head-coaching responsibilities at the Pro Bowl for the remainder of the week.”

McCarthy’s star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, is among those who have backed out.

Andy Reid and his Kansas City Chiefs staff are coaching the players chosen to Jerry Rice’s squad.