Carolina Panthers Christian McCaffrey, Luke Kuechly should skip Pro Bowl

Both Carolina Panthers nominees – Christian McCaffrey and Luke Kuechly – should consider skipping out on the Pro Bowl.

The Carolina Panthers completed another forgetful season with minimal highlights in 2019. After losing quarterback Cam Newton to injury and briefly surging under backup Kyle Allen, a dreadful second-half consisting of eight straight losses signaled a time for change as owner David Tepper relieved Ron Rivera of his coaching duties.

Despite the dismal performance, there were a few highlights as two Panthers earned Pro Bowl nominations – one on each side of the football. Linebacker Luke Kuechly and running back Christian McCaffrey both received the distinctive honor for their contributions during the year.

However, both should also consider electing not to play in the annual all-star game. While the NFL continues to try and appease fans with this charade of a football game held between the conference championships and Super Bowl, it has become considerably less interesting over time.

More from Cat Crave

• Panthers 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft: Worst-case scenario edition
• 3 Panthers players that can thrive under new coaching staff in 2023
• Duce Staley’s bonafide fire can ignite the Carolina Panthers in 2023
• 3 pros and cons to the Carolina Panthers trading for Jalen Ramsey
• 5 prospects the Panthers must monitor at 2023 NFL Combine

In recent years, the league has even attempted to forego conference alignments with a “backyard, pick your own players” system chosen by former legends serving as honorary captains. Lasting only three seasons, the original format was reinstated for the 2016 game.

After a long and grueling season, especially one in which McCaffrey accumulated over 400 touches, both he and Kuechly should consider sitting this one out. While each is obviously going to formulate their own decision – McCaffrey has already mentioned his intent to play – it’s doubtful anyone would blame either for taking the precautionary role.

While unlikely that an injury would occur, as players typically are extremely cautious during the contest, it also wouldn’t be the first time someone has mysteriously disappeared from the roster. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady last played in 2005, even though he received nominations every year from 2008 until missing out this season.

Kuechly has been on the initial roster for the past seven years but has withdrawn from the competition in each of the past four – once because of the Panthers participation in the Super Bowl and three times due to injury.

Being a first-time candidate, McCaffrey may feel some type of obligation but he has nothing left to prove after becoming just the third player all-time to record 1,000 yards receiving and rushing in a single season.

The 2020 Pro Bowl takes place on Sunday, January 26 at 3:00pm ET from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.