It has been more than a decade since Pro Football Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders squared off, but if it will help keep the struggling Pro Bowl alive, Rice is willing to try to re-stir the rivalry.
"I can tell Deion is afraid of me," Rice said when Sanders was unable to participate in a Monday teleconference to promote the 2014 "Team Rice" vs. "Team Sanders" Pro Bowl, reportedly due to travel considerations.
The Jan. 26 game at Aloha Stadium will mark the first time the game’s rosters have been decided by a draft format.
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2014 NFL PRO BOWL
» When: Jan. 26, 2 p.m.
» Where: Aloha Stadium
» TV: KHNL
» Vote: nfl.com/probowl
» Tickets: Available at ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or by visitng the Aloha Stadium box office
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Rice and Sanders will choose up sides regardless of conference affiliation sandlot-style, Jan. 21-22 at Ko Olina, a departure from the previous AFC vs. NFC format. The draft will be televised Jan. 22 on the NFL Network.
A coin flip is to decide which of the two alumni captains gets the first pick of the 88 available players. Rice and Sanders will be assisted by two active player captains and an NFL.com fantasy football champion.
The institution of a "draft" comes as the NFL attempts to perk up interest and TV ratings for a game that commissioner Roger Goodell had considered scrapping a year ago after a lackluster performance by players in 2012 and declining TV viewership.
Rice said the game is worth saving and savors "some fond memories" of the all-star event in Hawaii.
"I remember, because of being a 13-time Pro Bowler, going over to Hawaii and the interaction, the hospitality, the fans being around the players. You know, signing autographs and having those fans come to that stadium and cheer you on during the football game. So, I’m really looking forward to this opportunity."
Rice said, "If I know Deion Sanders, he is gonna basically focus on defense, being a (former) defensive back."
As for his plan, Rice said, "I really think it has to be, to me, 50/50 (offense/defense). I believe you win with defense and some of these guys that are really making statements right now like Robert Mathis, Robert Quinn, Mario Williams, Justin Houston … so I’m thinking defense."
Player captains will be chosen based upon the top vote-getters on offense and defense.
Rice said he’d like to have Peyton Manning and Mathis but, "if (either of) those guys happen to be in the Super Bowl, then, for sure, I’ll have to reassess everything and look at other guys like Drew Brees, Matthew Stafford, Tony Romo. … You’ve got to have some back-up options and I think I have it pretty much mapped out. I’m ready to go with my players. I’m studying hard and staying up with these guys."
Fans can help select the pool of players by voting online until 1 p.m. (Hawaii time) Dec. 26, the NFL said. Players will be announced Dec. 27.
