Deion says he'll suit up at Pro Bowl
— -- If Deion Sanders had his way, the Pro Bowl would have an old-school feel to it this season.
However, the NFL reportedly says the cornerback won't be playing in the game, despite the Hall of Fame cornerback's tweet Monday that he would suit up for the game.
Under a new format, Sanders and fellow Hall of Famer Jerry Rice will divvy up the Pro Bowl players into two rosters during a two-day draft before the Jan. 26 game in Honolulu.
Sanders, who has been playfully bantering with Rice about possible roster selections, upped the ante Monday when he tweeted that he would suit up for the game.
Ladies and Gentlemen I am officially announcing "I WILL SUIT UP IN HAWAII" Please let @JerryRice know that a real captain leads by example!
,Deion I would beat you down like the old days! We can suit up but it would be very painful for you!
,@RealPeterson21 u may have to wear another number in the pro bowl for #teamDeion because your Captain may play in the #Probowl! WHAT!!!
— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) January 13, 2014
Offensive and defensive players with the most votes whose teams don't make it past the divisional playoff round will serve as active player captains.
Ladies and Gentlemen I am officially announcing "I WILL SUIT UP IN HAWAII" Please let @JerryRice know that a real captain leads by example!
— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) January 13, 2014
Rice took to Twitter as well, saying he's not afraid of seeing the man nicknamed Primetime attempt to return to his prime.
Deion I would beat you down like the old days! We can suit up but it would be very painful for you!
— Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) January 14, 2014
However, ProFootBallTalk.com reported later Monday that Sanders will not play in the Pro Bowl, citing a league spokesperson who said that Sanders and Rice will spend the full week with their respective teams.
Sanders, an eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback with the Falcons, 49ers and Cowboys, also tweeted at Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson, who has worn No. 21 during his three-year career.
@RealPeterson21 u may have to wear another number in the pro bowl for #teamDeion because your Captain may play in the #Probowl! WHAT!!!
Offensive and defensive players with the most votes whose teams don't make it past the divisional playoff round will serve as active player captains.
@RealPeterson21 u may have to wear another number in the pro bowl for #teamDeion because your Captain may play in the #Probowl! WHAT!!!
Offensive and defensive players with the most votes whose teams don't make it past the divisional playoff round will serve as active player captains.