Sports Notebook
Star-Bulletin staff
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Players don’t want Pro Bowl changes
Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia is among the many players here who don't want the Pro Bowl moved or done away with.
In fact, Garcia said he can't imagine a Pro Bowl away from the islands.
"It would be difficult to fathom it ever happening. I don't know if that would ever take place," said Garcia, a day after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters the game could move.
"I think that would take away from the experience of the players and the families out here. This is something special to us. Hopefully, the commissioner will really think about that before he makes any drastic change."
Titans defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth was asked for his thoughts on one of the NFL's ideas to jazz up the all-star game.
"Before the Super Bowl? That doesn't make any sense," the first-time Pro Bowl player said.
The TD LB
The Patriots'
Mike Vrabel is a linebacker by profession. That's what got him to his first Pro Bowl this year in 11 NFL seasons.
But he's also one of just a few players who have caught a touchdown pass in at least two Super Bowls.
Used as a receiver near the goal line, Vrabel has eight receptions, all going for scores, including one each in the Pats' victorious Super Bowls XXXVIII and XXXIX.
Will he be part of the goal-line offense package for the AFC in Sunday's Pro Bowl?
"I asked Norv (Turner, the AFC coach of the Chargers), but he wouldn't tell me," Vrabel said. "I'd like to."
The whole gang's here
The Seahawks are well represented in the Pro Bowl on defense, with linebackers
Lofa Tatupu and
Julian Peterson and cornerback
Marcus Trufant elected to the game, along with injured defensive end
Patrick Kerney.
And the rest of the Seattle front-seven players are here, too, courtesy of their teammates who got picked for the game.
"It's good to get them out here," Tatupu said. "A lot of them are the reason we're here enjoying it."
Ohana Day, other activities
Fans can check out the NFL stars tomorrow at Aloha Stadium as the AFC and NFC teams go through their final practice before Sunday's game.
The Pro Bowl Ohana Day is from 9 a.m. until noon. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. and parking is also free.
The Pro Bowl Football Festival continues today at Kapiolani Park with Military Appreciation Day, from noon to 6 p.m. It concludes tomorrow with NFL Play 60 Day, focusing on youth fitness, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tomorrow's activities are highlighted by a block party in Waikiki, on Kalakaua Avenue. It goes from 7 to 10 p.m.