The NFL is hosting its Pro Bowl event on Tuesday evening in San Francisco, just days before Super Bowl LX. This shift to a new format has generated interest among fans and players alike.
The Pro Bowl will kick off at 8 p.m. ET at the Moscone Center, with coverage available on ESPN. This year”s game introduces a flag football format on a 50-yard field, featuring two 10-yard end zones. Touchdowns will count for 6 points, with teams having the option to attempt a 1-point conversion from the 5-yard line or a 2-point conversion from the 10-yard line.
Among the players participating are Shedeur Sanders, Joe Burrow, and several other notable athletes. The roster was initially determined by fan votes, but some stars have opted out for various reasons, leading to high-profile replacements. Sanders steps in for Drake Maye, who will start for the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, while Burrow replaces the injured Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Additionally, Joe Flacco is taking on the role of the AFC”s third quarterback in place of Justin Herbert.
The NFC will be represented by quarterbacks such as Jared Goff from Detroit, Jalen Hurts from Philadelphia, and Dak Prescott from Dallas. The coaching staff for this event features two legends from the San Francisco 49ers, with Steve Young leading the AFC and Jerry Rice at the helm for the NFC.
The Pro Bowl has undergone a transformation this year, shifting away from its traditional format to emphasize flag football and skills competitions. This change aims to reduce injury risk and revitalize an event that had grown stale. The move reflects a broader strategy by the NFL to promote flag football on an international level, especially with the sport being included in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where NFL players may have the chance to compete.
Peter O”Reilly, NFL executive vice president, has reiterated the league”s commitment to this flag football format, stating that it honors players appropriately while also aligning with the Olympics. This shift means the Pro Bowl will be showcased during Super Bowl week, albeit in a smaller venue.
O”Reilly acknowledged that the Moscone Center has a smaller capacity compared to previous Pro Bowl venues, but tickets will still be available. This decision was deemed necessary to elevate the Pro Bowl”s profile during Super Bowl week.
Looking ahead, the flag football format is expected to continue into future Pro Bowls, including the 2027 game in Los Angeles, which coincides with the city”s hosting of the Olympics. However, concerns about player participation may arise, as some athletes, like Justin Fields of the New York Jets, have opted out to focus on training. Participation incentives include potential earnings of $96,000 for winners and $48,000 for the losing team, which may not be significant enough for star players.
Despite these challenges, the NFL appears committed to maintaining player engagement and ensuring the Pro Bowl remains a viable event leading up to the 2028 Olympics.
