Tom Brady played through a chronic foot injury this season, but it isn't expected to keep him out of the Pro Bowl, according to a league source. Brady was hampered by a stress fracture in his foot that occasionally produced symptoms throughout the season, multiple sources have confirmed. The foot is not completely healed, but it did not affect Brady in Sunday's 28-21 loss against the New York Jets. The information confirms a report by CSNNE.com's Tom Curran earlier today that Brady has been dealing with a chronic foot injury that "predates the 2010 season." In the meantime, the source said Brady at this point in time is planning to play in the Pro Bowl, Jan. 30 in Hawaii. Source: Boston Herald
It's nice to hear that a player will be playing in the Pro Bowl with a significant injury while other players backing out because of a paper cut. The NFC & AFC used to despise each other in the Pro Bowl and would go all out to win like if it was a playoff game.
I'm not sure what time period your referring too, but I'm guessing it was around the NFL/AFL time and shortly afterwards. The only way to re-establish NFC/AFC rivalry is to go to the MLB system of the past where the only time teams from opposing conferences would match up is in the championship game (In this case, the Superbowl). It could be easily done and would allow for expansion. Bit too much cocking around for rivalry, though.
It was still a fierce rivalry when I growing up in the late 80's and early 1990's. It wasn't until about 10 or so years ago that the Pro Bowl has faced the criticisms it faces today.
