Whether the Pro Bowl will return to Hawaii next year is one of the big questions surrounding Sunday’s game.

If it does, Capt. Jeffrey James is certain he’ll make a push to bring the NFL all-stars back to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

The base hosted the AFC and NFC practices for the first time in the Pro Bowl’s island tenure on Thursday, drawing an enthusiastic crowd to a refurbished Earhart Field.

"I think it was really, really uplifting to see the effort the NFL put forth," said James, the base commander. "It spoke to the character of the NFL and the character of the players."

James put the crowd estimate at 6,000 — sailors and airmen and their family members. Even with the large turnout, James said the event "went off without a hitch."

"This was very well executed," James said.

USAA, the NFL’s military appreciation sponsor, contributed to sprucing up Earhart Field to bring it up to standards to host the NFL players.

James said the league worked with the base for the past two months in preparing the field for Thursday’s practices.

James noted that sports tends to provide a connection to home for military personnel on deployment. The players provided a measure of payback by going to the fence to greet the fans and sign autographs after both practices.

"These guys make a lot of sacrifices for their nation," James said.

This morning’s practice will be held at the Ihilani Resort. Saturday’s workouts are set for Aloha Stadium starting at 9 a.m., with the AFC on the field first.

Jags’ Owens back for more

New England’s Super Bowl berth meant a return trip to Hawaii for Jacksonville Jaguars special teamer Montell Owens, one of the more productive players in last year’s Pro Bowl.

Owens replaced New England’s Matthew Slater, one of eight Patriots selected to the Pro Bowl but now occupied by Super Bowl preparations.

"I wasn’t even on the Pro Bowl ballot," Owens said. "So to not go on the ballot and then make the trip is incredible."

With a cast on his hand, Owens looked more like he might need replacing himself during the last two practices. But he insisted he’ll be ready for the game.

In last year’s game, Owens scored on a fumble return and a 7-yard pass. He later lateraled to Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack on a wild touchdown on the game’s final play.

Saints’ Graham pays tribute to QB

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers might be sick of the "discount double-check" commercial, but some of his NFC teammates sure aren’t.

New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham, making his first Pro Bowl appearance, was on the receiving end of a touchdown throw from Rodgers during Thursday’s practice at Earhart Field.

Graham turned to the fans crowded around the field and made the championship belt gesture around his waist made famous by Rodgers most recently in a State Farm Insurance commercial.

Graham also pulled the move off in a 42-34 loss to the Packers in the first game of the 2011 season back in September.

Both AFC and NFC players interacted with the military personnel and their family members who showed up for the first Pro Bowl practice on a military base.

Even Carolina rookie quarterback Cam Newton got into the action, pointing his finger in the air after catching a touchdown and then giving the ball to a lucky fan in the crowd.