Hall of Fame LB Ray Lewis shares surprising take on Pro Bowl

Despite the NFL's attempt at reimagining the Pro Bowl this year, many still regard the annual all-star event as a waste of time, especially for players. 

However, while fans have long criticized the game's quality of play, Hall of Famer Ray Lewis told Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports that even in flag-football form, the Pro Bowl greatly benefits the players involved. 

Lewis noted that over his 12 Pro Bowl appearances, he learned how the "greats" studied by picking their brains, adding that they were invaluable experiences that helped mold his career. 

"You must take every one of these moments as a learning experience," Lewis said. "You can learn something every single time you step out there. I get it, the game is different than when I played, but with that understanding: What can you get better at?" 

If anyone would know what benefits players already considered among the best at their positions, it'd be Lewis, a seven-time All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion. So, if Lewis says the Pro Bowl is important for players, one would be wise to agree. 

Lewis retired in 2012 and played most of his 17-year career in a world devoid of social media and other ways to connect instantly. 

Nowadays, players all know one another for the most part. And some, including April's upcoming draftees, have grown up with the technology, meaning their connections with players all over the country could go back to college or even high school. 

There's no denying Lewis' point that putting great players alongside other great players can yield career-changing benefits. 

But, if you're the NFL, there has to be a better venue to accomplish the same good things without putting players through silly obstacle courses or a meaningless flag football game, which isn't even held in Hawaii anymore. 

So far, the NFL's new approach to the Pro Bowl didn't go so smoothly. Las Vegas Raiders Josh Jacobs had a colorful response to the new format. 

At the same time, Cleveland Browns All-Pro defensive lineman Myles Garrett left the event with a dislocated toe sustained while competing in the obstacle course.