The much maligned NFL Pro Bowl took place in Arizona yesterday, one week in advance of Super Bowl 49. Theoretically, the Pro Bowl is a dream exhibition match between the NFL’s star players and performers. However, the event has been roundly derided in recent years as a lackluster publicity stunt.

Much of the criticism of the Pro Bowl is centered around its lack of competitive atmosphere. Given the litany of serious injuries that NFL teams suffer every year, it is understandable that star players are unwilling to risk their health for an exhibition game. Those that choose to play, particularly on defense, are often accused of putting forward a substandard effort.

Though many high profile players such as Peyton Manning declined to attend this year, the prestige of being selected and financial incentives still attracted NFL talent to the event.

Rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who shined during the regular season, contributed three catches during the first half. Early in the second quarter, he made a spectacular diving reception that exhibited the kind of tenacity and effort NFL fans wish to see in the Pro Bowl. Beckham Jr. also kicked a 47-yard field goal, which is a highly unusual feat for a wide receiver to accomplish.

In recent years, the NFL has attempted to shake things up by experimenting with the Pro Bowl’s formula. Rather than splitting the opposing squads by conference, organizers had former NFL stars Michael Irvin and Cris Carter hand pick their players. Other innovations included narrowing the field goal posts in order to make kicks more challenging. Veteran kicker Adam Vinatieri resented the change, as it indicated to him that the NFL might consider implementing this adjustment in regular season games.

Despite complaints about the exhibition’s competitiveness, the 2015 Pro Bowl ended with some excitement. Trailing 28-32 with less than two minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Team Carter hurried their way up the field in an attempt to steal victory. Quarterback Andy Dalton tried to find a receiver in the end zone on fourth down, but his pass fell incomplete and Team Irvin went on to secure the win.

Regardless of any controversy, one thing remains consistently true. America loves the game of football. Fascinatingly, the NFL Pro Bowl draws a huge television audience for an exhibition game. In 2013, more people watched the Pro Bowl than game one of the World Series. These numbers suggest that America’s favorite passtime has shifted over the decades. Though USA Today notes that the 2015 ratings were down, millions of people are still tuning in annually to see their favorite players compete head to head.

Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk was in attendance during the Pro Bowl and spent time observing how fans reacted to the event. There were thousands in attendance at University of Phoenix Stadium, and he noted several standing ovations for plays like the circus catch made by Odell Beckham Jr. To Michael David Smith, it appeared that everyone, including the players and coaches on the field was having an enjoyable time.

As long as the NFL continues to draw viewership from the masses and star players continue to participate, do not expect the controversial Pro Bowl to be yanked from the airwaves any time soon.