The NFL's biggest stars will descend upon Orlando today.
Pro Bowl week is officially underway, and the Ravens have five players attending the league's annual all-star game: kicker Justin Tucker, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, safety Eric Weddle, center Jeremy Zuttah and long snapper Morgan Cox. Guard Marshal Yanda (shoulder) and linebacker C.J. Mosley (calf) were both selected, but aren't able to play because of injuries.
The Pro Bowl is more than just Sunday's game at 8 p.m. (ESPN), and the week includes a number of events that allows players to interact with fans and some of their counterparts around the league.
We will have a crew in Orlando to document the week across our digital platforms, and here are some things to watch over the next few days:
Skills Challenge
The NFL added a new wrinkle to this year's Pro Bowl by implementing a new skills challenge. Some of the events include best hands and precision passing competitions. But the most interesting piece of this event is definitely dodgeball, and Juszczyk is eager to show off his skills in this arena. "I will most definitely be the best dodgeball player there. No question," he said. The skills challenge takes place on Wednesday and will air on ESPN Thursday evening.
Ray Lewis As A Captain
Ravens great Ray Lewis attended plenty of Pro Bowls during his playing career, and now he gets a chance to soak it in as one of the Legends captains. Lewis is always in his element on the football field, and he'll probably have a blast spending the week with some of the league's best players. Younger players gravitated towards Lewis during his last few seasons in the league, and he'll likely draw a crowd wherever he goes this week.
Look Out Disney World
Having the event in Orlando is a chance for the league's stars to take in some of the attractions at Disney World. It's an ideal destination for players with young families, and Weddle sure seems like he's excited about getting his kids on the rides with him. Don't be surprised if you see a bearded man with a big family in line for Splash Mountain.
Ravens Interacting With League's Stars
The most unique aspect of the Pro Bowl is that it's a collection of the NFL's best players all in one place. Players often put aside their rivalries during the relaxing week, and use the time to get to know some other players around the NFL. Relationships formed during the Pro Bowl can sometimes last a lifetime. Wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. and Head Coach John Harbaugh first met at the Pro Bowl, and they both talked about those interactions when Smith signed with the Ravens many years later.
