The NFL's 2015 Pro Bowl may not have been played in Hawaii as per usual, but it started out as a sleepy affair nonetheless, with players on both teams seeming like they'd just wandered in off a relaxing day at the beach.
The game, played at University of Phoenix Stadium in front of a sellout crowd, only the second Pro Bowl since 1980 not to be played in Hawaii, eventually kicked itself into gear though, with Michael Irvin's team finding their way to victory over Cris Carter's bunch, 32-28 on the back of a late touchdown pass from Atlanta Falcons quarterback, Matt Ryan to Saints tight end, Jimmy Graham.
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford took home the offensive MVP award after throwing for 316 yards and two touchdowns, while closest-thing-to-a-superhero-mankind-has-to-offer, Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, nabbed the defensive MVP.
"It's a blast," Stafford said, according to ESPN. "To able to play with the best in the world is a whole lot of fun, and everybody is such good people, too. I am out here having a good time."
While the venue may have been different, the game itself was all-too-familiar - tackling seemed to be optional and defending passes was downright nonexistent.
Watt intercepted a pass, recovered a fumble and helped the fans get up out of their seats and - along with the cheerleaders - hit some serious dance moves during commercial breaks.
"I just tried to enjoy it," Watt said. "That's what the Pro Bowl is all about, giving the fans a good show. Everybody worked so hard to get here, you want to enjoy yourself and play some good ball. Guys are dancing around and having a good time, that's what it's all about."
Graham caught two touchdown passes and dunked over the crossbar of the goalposts in celebration each time - a move that would draw a flag during the regular season.
"I really wanted to catch one here because this is I guess the only place I can dunk without a flag," Graham said. "But you know, the league called down and told me not to hang on it, so I didn't."
Odell Beckham Jr., the electrifying New York Giants rookie receiver, made a jaw-dropping catch at midfield after showing off his one-handed catching prowess prior to the game.
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen and Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders each caught a couple of touchdowns as well, while Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck finished his night with nine completions on 10 attempts for 119 yards and two touchdowns.
The game also saw the league test out a potential rule change - narrower goal posts, moved from the normal 18.6 feet to 14 feet, on all kicks. PATs were also moved back to 33-yard attempts.
Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri missed two extra point tries - something he hasn't done once in a regular season or playoff game in five years.
Team Irvin's players received $55,000 apiece for their winning effort, while Team Carter took home a measly $28,000.
