Jerry Rice: 'Pro Bowl changes will not improve game'

San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice believes that the changes made to the Pro Bowl will make no difference to the quality of the game.

The All-Star game played at the end of the NFL season has been criticised in recent years due to the efforts of some players and the high scores recorded in the contest.

The league have now changed the system on how players can reach the Pro Bowl in order to improve the game as of next season.

"You've got prima donnas, egocentrics, who act like it's not an honor," Rice told USA Today.

"Plus, they're thinking, 'Why should I go and jeopardize what I'm doing?' But it should be for the fans. How can you get the players to recognize that it's an honor? You've got to play your best football in the Pro Bowl.

"So the spirit of this needs to be changed. I'm not sure that can be accomplished now."

Rice was voted to the Pro Bowl 13 times during his illustrious career.