Former NFL players leave legacy after Pro Bowl in Orlando

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Local leaders in Orlando and some former NFL players announced Tuesday how they want to leave an impact on Central Florida after the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl.

The NFL Foundation has provided a Pro Bowl community grant to LIFT Orlando to pay for refurbishing a multi-purpose field at Lake Lorna Doone Park, which sits near Camping World Stadium.

“The Pro Bowl is one more piece of enhancing our reputation as one of the premiere sports destinations in this country,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

“Everything that the NFL and Pro Bowl are doing is not just a win for the city, not just a win for the football players, it's a win for the communities, as well with what they're doing,” said former NFL player Jerome Bettis.

The foundation is teaming up with LIFT Florida and Florida Citrus Sports to create space for youth to get active.

A tree-planting ceremony was also held at Lake Lorna Doone Park.

"We heard about this notion of regenerating a community in the shadow of this stadium, and all the work and all the energy that people in this room and this community are putting behind that,” said Peter O’Reilly, senior vice president of events for the NFL. "We've got to be a part of this. We've got to play our small role in helping to bring that vision to life."

“The most important thing that they do. The challenge is what kind of legacy or imprint do you leave on the community that you've just taken over,” Charles Woodson, former NFL player.

Kickoff for the Pro Bowl Sunday is at 8 p.m. at Camping World Stadium.

The city has a contract to have the Pro Bowl for three years, but the first two years are guaranteed.

“We’re hopeful that Orlando will remain the home of the Pro Bowl for many, many, many years to come and we are rolling out the red carpet,” Dyer said.

Woodson, who lives in Lake Nona, said he believes Orlando has what it takes to be the home of the Pro Bowl for more than a couple of years.

“What I do know is that Florida Citrus Sports, Mayor Dyer, Camping World Stadium and the NFL have gone out of their way to make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these players and we hope they have a good time. We certainly know Orlando has a lot to offer,” Woodson said.

Cox Media Group