Jan 26, 2012, Honolulu, HI, USA; NFC quarterback Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers (12) signs autographs for fans during practice for the 2012 Pro Bowl at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The National Football League Pro Bowl has become a joke.

Sure, it’s an honor for every player who is selected, to be recognized for their accomplishments during the season. All the players say that.

Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews and Jeff Saturday – The Packers players named to the team yesterday – said exactly that.

Clay MatthewsRob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Clay Matthews:

“It means a great deal to me to continue to maintain the success on a personal level year-in and year-out, but ultimately this is a testament to the team that we have. The players around me, the coaching staff, the personnel department, and everybody who is involved with allowing me to do the things I can do on the field and helping to put me in a position to excel.”

Aaron Rodgers
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Rodgers:

“It’s an honor to be voted in, knowing that it’s a combination of the fans, my fellow players and the coaches. To be recognized by all of those people, it’s pretty special.”

Jeff SaturdayJeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Saturday:

 “Obviously, it’s always an honor. Anytime you get to go to the Pro Bowl, it is an honor and you appreciate everyone, the players, coaches and fans that voted for you. As an offensive lineman, it is nice to get the award.”

But it’s one of those hollow honors for football players, a chance to hop a plane and head to Hawaii for a week’s vacation following a long, hard season. A time to bask in the sun, play some golf, tour the sights, take a swim and play a football game.

Play a football game?

Well, if that’s what you can call it.

Unlike Major League Baseball’s All-Star game that is not only a stage for the game’s best players, it’s a competition with something on the line – home field advantage for the league’s championship World Series. They have something for which to play.

The NFL’s All-Star game is just that – a whole bunch of multi-millionaires jogging through the motions with quarterbacks and wide receivers playing pitch and catch. It’s not a game … it’s a joke … and something needs to be done with it.

I say scrap it altogether. If the league is going to have a season-ending picnic in Hawaii, then that’s what they should have. Forget the game … play a softball game, volleyball game, pick-up basketball game … whatever. Just get rid of the football game because it’s an embarrassment to the players, the coaches and the league. Everybody laughs out loud about it – heck, even Aaron Rodgers came out last year and blasted the players and the game for what it really is … a laid back laugh.

So, when the players come out today and for the next week and describe how proud they are for having been selected, we all know that in the backs of their minds they are laughing. They are thinking it’s just another bargaining chip that will land them a few million more dollars in their next contract.

You know they are not looking at film, meeting with coaches and actually developing schemes to beat the other team. They are planning their itinerary for themselves and their family. They are scheduling their 10-minute appearance on the NFL Network (another joke, for another column), deciding what they will say when interviewed on the sideline during the game and making flight plans for their next destination after leaving Hawaii.

Sure, they have earned the honor of selection. That’s a good thing. But when the league says there will be an actual game, that is a joke and an insult to the fans who follow the game so passionately and closely.

In the meantime, we have to extend our congratulations to the three Packers selected: Matthews, Rodgers and Saturday – which brings me to the next issue – Jeff Saturday? Really?

I love Mr. Saturday as much as the next Packers fan, but in my mind he really hasn’t had the standout, stout season that we all expected – and to be selected to the Pro Bowl only emphasizes what I’ve been stating all along here.

Jeff Saturday? Really? He was benched last week because he wasn’t meeting team expectations and now he’s an Pro Bowler … hmmmmm.

Anyway, that’s enough … congrats to all who have been selected.

Now, let’s get on to the real games that will be played this weekend. These will be the most important games of the season for so many teams in the league – starting right with the Packers vs. Vikings in Minneapolis.

I’m sure the players are watching plenty of film, meeting with coaches, practicing their butts off and scheming on ways to beat the opponent.

That’s what football’s all about.

With help from his teammates, Aaron Rodgers could play for many more years in the NFL. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay Packers. Lifetime contract.

Those three should be and will be a reality if the Packers’ quarterback, Super Bowl champion and league Most Valuable Player has his way.

In a Q&A published this morning by the Green Bay Press Gazette, Rodgers doesn’t beat around the bush. He comes right out and says that there’s no other place he would rather be than in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In fact, he want s to be there for the remainder of his career.

Is there any question the Packers bean counters aren’t locked in a room at 1265 Lombardi Avenue trying to figure out a way they can make that happen?

Aaron Rodgers and Ryan Braun are best friends and Rodgers would certainly love to have a lifetime contract much like was given to Braun by the Brewers.

Like his good friend Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers, Rodgers wants a long-term contract that will essentially keep him in a Green Bay Packers uniform for the remainder of his playing days. And you can’t blame him. I’m sure Braun and Rodgers have talked about the fact that Braun has been thought of enough by the Milwaukee franchise to sign him to a contract that will keep him in a Brewers uniform for nearly the next decade.

Rodgers wants something like that.

Here’s some other highlights from Rodgers’ interview:

On his disappointment with the Pro Bowl:

“After the Pro Bowl experience, the things that happened at the hotel, during the week and then in the game, I just thought was so disappointing. Not only myself, the coaching staff that we brought, but to the fans. I mean, I’m sitting there, I bought six tickets as well so I have six people in the stands watching me in the game and I felt I was embarrassed for them so I just felt like it was the right time to say something like that.”

On the trappings of stardom:

“I think you can kind of prepare for some of it but there’s so many things that, opportunities and also temptations and then people trying to take advantage of you that you maybe didn’t see.”

On his achievements and if he still has the drive to succeed:

“I’d say it’s stronger now and I don’t say that to be cliché-ish. It’s just that when you win a Super Bowl, and I talked to other guys who feel the same way, when you win a Super Bowl, the next year you’re on such a high … Then last year losing in the first round of the playoffs, there’s just that empty feeling of regret that you’re not going to experience that same kind of high the Super Bowl was so I’d say personally that’s what I want.”

Aaron Rodgers stepped out from the shadows of Brett Favre and has brought a new enthusiasm to the Packers and the entire league. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

On his feelings toward those who didn’t believe in him when he took over for Brett Favre:

“Yeah, there were a bunch of people, whether they said it or not. That was a difficult time for the organization, our fans. I think the sentiment is that the Packers are doing pretty good now with that decision … But I don’t have any ill will towards other Packer fans or anything that happened that summer. It was such a character growing opportunity I think. It’s easier to say now than back then.”

On future contract talks:

“I think they’re an organization who is going to do what’s best for the organization. Obviously my representation, just like any representation, is trying to get the most money possible at times. I don’t see it being an issue. I want to be a Packer for life and I don’t see myself going anywhere else.”

On the potential for 2012:

“I think you’ve got to be, the kind of guys we’re going to add to the mix. The free agent guys. The rookie guys. Bringing a guy like Alex Green back into the mix. There’s a lot of young guys fighting for spots. I think Mike (McCarthy) has said it before about the talent level that we have. I’ll take this angle: This will be the most difficult cuts that we’ve had in eight years of me being here … The thing I look at is when I think of the schedule, I look at when we’re playing in Chicago, it’s a late game, so that will be a tough one late in the season. So it’s going to be a tough run. What we learned last year was you’ve got to be playing the right way at the end of the season, like we were in 2010 and the Giants were last year.”

And finally, one of the more interesting answers came when asked about the most difficult part of his job. His answer is very interesting. You would think it would be something like learning a new offense or studying a defensive scheme or getting his footwork down. No, it was none of that.

Here’s what he had to say about that:

“Turning it off. Finding ways to escape from being on all the time. Having to be in the mindset of that preparation and that focus when I’m at the facility, being able to turn that off. That doesn’t mean just when I get home at 4:30 or whatever. That’s being able to turn it off at midnight when I’m trying to fall asleep and I can’t. That’s probably the hardest part.”

It’s always good to hear from Aaron Rodgers and as we inch closer to the start of the NFL Training Camp, it’s even better to hear from him, especially when he provides such insight into his persona.

The hope of all Packers fans is that Aaron Rodgers will be winding up to throw bombs for years to come. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

There’s a reason Aaron Rodgers is a champion and the MVP of the league. Our hope is that he is around for many more seasons to come and that he stays injury-free. Packers fans, of course want Aaron Rodgers to walk away from the game a whole person without the problems so many others have experienced over the years.

And if you think Aaron Rodgers is ready for 2012, below are some highlights from 2011 that will surely get the juices flowing. No, the Packers didn’t repeat as Super Bowl champions last year, but the team went 15-2 on the season. There were plenty of highlights … enjoy …

Fantasy Knuckelheads feels that Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Courtney Upshaw could be the Green Bay Packers' first round selection. John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE

Look around the Internet and you will find mock draft after mock draft with first round projections for all 32 teams, but try to find one the takes a look at all seven rounds for individual teams and you will search for a long time – they are few and far between.

However, I did find one – produced by Fantasy Knuckleheads – that takes an interesting look at what the Packers’ brass may be considering come April.

Everyone’s in agreement that defense, defense, defense has got to be the rallying cry for the Packers this year. Not only does the team need an outside linebacker to complement Clay Matthews, but the team also is in need of a pass-rushing defensive end, a cornerback to groom to take the place of Charles Woodson, an offensive tackle to step in on the left side when Chad Clifton finally says goodbye, and even a running back that will bolster the still-uncertainty that is the Packers offensive backfield.

All of these holes in the Packers roster are addressed by the Fantasy Knuckelheads’ mock draft, with a couple of surprises thrown in.

As we suffer through the Pro Bowl this weekend, we have to admit that it’s time to start thinking the draft, even though it’s still three months away. Between now and then there will be plenty of speculation as the stock in players rise and fall through the player combine and up to draft day.

So, take a look at this mock … it’s an interesting one that will pique your interest. In addition, here is our first mock draft we put together earlier this week.

And while you’re at it Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Dec 11, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (21) during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Raiders 46-16. Woodson is one of five Packers playing in Sunday's Pro Bowl. Will you watch? Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

It’s that time of the NFL season when just two of the 32 teams are still alive and the rest have to be satisfied with watching the Pro Bowl.

What a sad consolation that is.

For the Packers, six players – no make that five because of the injury to John Kuhn – will hit the field for the pseudo-football game to be held tomorrow in Hawaii. Sure, it will be good to see the the Packers’ star players once more at the end of an incredible season that ended with a thud at Lambeau Field. But, for me at least, this is certainly not the way I thought it would end. I figured this would be the week of preparation for at team that should have been 17-1 at this point. With the New York Giants headed to Indianapolis to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl all Packers fans are feeling pretty dejected these days.

Next season can’t start soon enough.

But the sad reminder of a crushing end to a great season concludes tomorrow with the Pro Bowl – that meaningless game that has no defense (kind of like the Packers) and plenty of offense (just like the Packers).

Aside from the halftime show which might be worth watching, I’m still wondering if I’ll tune in.

As a football blogger, I’m almost obliged … with ALMOST being the key word here.

I guess the question for other Packers fans is whether you will watch.

Take the poll and let us know.

My husband and I went to Hawaii in 2003, for the sole purpose to go to the Pro Bowl.  We did a lot of the things first time tourists do, went to the Cultural Center, went to a Luau, did a whale watch cruise, and saw Pearl Harbor.  We had a great time.

This was back in the day, when the Pro Bowl was played after the Super Bowl, so the entire winning team was there and boy were they in a good mood!  Some of the other players paid the way for the guys who helped them be successful.  Like Buffalo Bills  Ruben Brown, who brought the rest of the defense with him.

We also were lucky enough to stay in the same hotel as the NFL players.  We saw them in the elevator, on the veranda, at the beach, at the restaurants, where ever you were, you could see a player. (more…)

The Pro Bowl selections have been made and the Green Bay Packers have 5 players that have earned the honor.

• Chad Clifton, tackle
• Nick Collins, free safety
• Greg Jennings, wide receiver
• Clay Matthews, outside linebacker
• Charles Woodson, cornerback

You can find the complete list here: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d470fb/article/2011-pro-bowl-rosters?module=HP_cp2 

With Saints QB Brees heading to the Super Bowl, Packers QB Rodgers will probably be the starting quarterback for the NFC in the Pro Bowl.  In other Pro Bowl news, LB Matthews travels to the Pro Bowl along with S Collins. All-pro CB Woodson has decided not to participate due to injuries. The game is on ESPN Sunday January 31st at 4:30 pm CST.