Pro Bowlers Reluctantly Admit Hawaii > Arizona

The Pro Bowl took place in Arizona on Sunday. It was just the second time since 1980 that the meaningless exhibition was played somewhere other than Hawaii’s Aloha Stadium. (The other being Miami in 2010.) For 36 first-time Pro Bowl selections, it was just an honor to be invited. For the returning Pro Bowlers, well, it was Arizona. ESPN spoke with some of the veteran Pro Bowlers who either outright admitted to missing Hawaii or just tried to justify vacationing in Arizona over a tropical paradise.

The out-of-towners were the most democratic. As Andrew Luck points out, Hawaii is a bitch to get to.

"“Obviously, it’s not my decision to make where it is. I think guys appreciate the opportunity to go to Hawaii when it is there, but it is long flight and it is a tough place to get (to).”"

For the Cardinals players, it’s really a monetary question. Justin Bethel, a 2-time Pro Bowler who only makes about half a million a year is thankful for the cheaper plane tickets.

"“This probably saved me a lot of money, too, because I’d have to get a lot more tickets, too, to Hawaii.”"

Antonio Cromartie doesn’t see much of a difference in the two locations.

"“Here at the hotel, you have registration here where you check in, you got to talk down the block basically to go to your locker room. That’s the only difference really.”"

That’s it. Basically…

"“And not having the beach. And not having the water.”"

Calais Campbell did his best to remain neutral about his home.

"“I wish I could be in Hawaii,” Campbell said. “But Arizona is a great place.”"

Patrick Peterson, signed a fat deal with the Cardinals before last season, was a bit more honest.

"“I’d much rather definitely go to Hawaii and chill on the beach versus being here in the desert.”"

Arizona and Hawaii – the same, but different.