Pro Bowl Is Today in Hawaii

Six months and 24 games later, the NFL finally will close the book on football for 1986.

The Pro Bowl, final chapter of the campaign that began with exhibition games in July, will be played in Aloha Stadium today at 1 p.m. (Ch. 7).

While the league’s annual all-star game may seem anticlimactic after the hype and hoopla of the Super Bowl, most of the players seem to enjoy the trip to Hawaii, the week of short workouts that affords lots of leisure time, and the game itself.

“I had no reservations at all about coming here,” said linebacker Harry Carson of the Super Bowl champion New York Giants. “I’ve got the whole offseason to rest up.

“This has always been an honor,” added Carson, who will be playing in his eighth Pro Bowl. “I even thought about this game at the Super Bowl . . . after we went up by two touchdowns.”

“I think everybody wants to play in this game,” Raider defensive end Howie Long said. “Some guys don’t get into the playoffs, and this is like their playoffs.”

“Maybe this game is a blessing in disguise,” said Denver defensive end Rulon Jones, reflecting back on the Broncos’ 39-20 loss to the Giants at the Rose Bowl last Sunday.

“You always remember your last game of the season, and if you play well in it, you finish with a positive feeling.”

Denver quarterback John Elway admitted he was a little weary of football after the long grind of the exhibition and regular seasons, the playoffs and the Super Bowl.

“This is our 24th game coming up,” he said. “But it’s nice to be here.”

Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor said he views the Pro Bowl trip as a vacation.

“The game is pretty much secondary to me,” said Taylor, who will be making his sixth appearance all-star appearance.

“It’s the best of the AFC and the best of the NFC meeting in one place for a week and having a good time.

“You’re out to show what you’ve got against the best players in the game, but I’d like to come out here and have a good time and not play a game.

“I’m tired of playing football. We’ve been playing for 27 weeks (including camp) and that’s long enough.”