NASCAR: Bubba Wallace to compete in the NFL Pro Bowl
By Asher Fair
NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace is set to compete in this year’s NFL Pro Bowl after the in-person game was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As a result of the ongoing threat of the coronavirus pandemic, the NFL made the decision several months ago to call off the traditional Pro Bowl.
As a result, the NFL and EA SPORTS Madden NFL turned this upcoming weekend’s Pro Bowl into the Pro Bowl: The Madden NFL 21 Edition Presented by Verizon.
The event is set to air across NFL’s social media channels as well as EA Madden NFL Twitch on Sunday, January 31 beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET.
And it won’t just be NFL players involved. NASCAR is slated to have a representative.
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Before he makes his first Cup Series start with 23XI Racing, the new team started by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin, on Sunday, February 14 in the 63rd annual Daytona 500, Bubba Wallace is slated to compete in this virtual event.
The event is set to be hosted by Michael Strahan and Charissa Thompson and will feature four players on each team, one AFC team and one NFC team, with each getting to play for one quarter of a Madden NFL 21 video game.
The AFC team features Houston Texans (before he gets traded) Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson, Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry, former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson and rapper Snoop Dogg.
The NFC team features Wallace along with Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray, Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl strong safety Jamal Adams and former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch, who has his own NASCAR ties.
Here is what Electronic Arts CMO David Tinson had to say about the event.
"“EA SPORTS’ commitment to help fans experience sport in new ways is realized perfectly by the transformation of this year’s Pro Bowl to the virtual field of Madden NFL. We’re further blurring the lines between reality and the virtual worlds of our games, creating new opportunities to connect fans through the sport they love.”"
Here is what NFL EVP of Club Business and Events Peter O’Reilly had to add.
"“The Pro Bowl is a highly anticipated event each year for players and fans and we’re thrilled to have created an all-new virtual experience with EA SPORTS. Bringing our all-star game to a virtual stage in Madden has allowed fans to engage and enjoy the Pro Bowl, despite the unprecedented challenges of the last year. We’re excited for fans to celebrate the best players in the NFL all on one field this weekend.”"
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The Pro Bowl is slated to precede Super Bowl LV between the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs and NFC champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers by one week, as that game is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 7 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.