Victor Cruz has said that this year's Pro Bowl was more intense than in recent years.

There had been doubt over whether the annual all-star inter-conference game had a future after some lacklustre performances over the last few seasons.

The New York Giants receiver told reporters: "It was a little more high intensity than in years' past. It really did feel like a real game out there.

"People were hitting. It wasn't touch football; guys were laying some licks. It had the energy of a real game. My body feels like it just went through a real game."

The NFC comfortably beat the AFC team 62-35.