After years of debate, the NFL has shared a new vision for the Pro Bowl that includes a complete transformation of the staple event. Now known as ‘The Pro Bowl Games,’ the event will be a week-long celebration of player skills featuring an exciting new format that spotlights Flag football.
The multi-day AFC vs NFC competition will culminate in an action-packed Flag game featuring Pro Bowl players at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Throughout the week, The Pro Bowl Games will also integrate new challenges where players showcase their football and non-football skills in unique competitions. The revamped programming allows the top stars to show off their skills and celebrate their accomplishments in a fun, memorable way, surrounded by their families and fans.
“We’ve received invaluable feedback from players, teams and fans about reimagining the Pro Bowl, and as a result, we’re thrilled to use The Pro Bowl Games as a platform to spotlight Flag football as an integral part of the sport’s future while also introducing fun, new forms of competition and entertainment that will bring our players, their families and fans closer than ever before,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President, Club Business and League Events.
As a growing focus for the organization, Flag football has been a critical piece of the NFL’s participation and development strategy, due to its highly accessible and inclusive qualities.
In addition to the AFC vs NFC game on Sunday, The Pro Bowl Games will integrate Flag throughout the week, including the Play Football Opening Night and NFL FLAG Championships presented by Subway, which was created in partnership with RCX Sports and will feature the top girls’ and boys’ youth Flag teams from across the country and around the world.
Most recently, the league celebrated a major milestone for the global growth and popularity of the football format, partnering with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) this summer to bring Flag football to The World Games in Birmingham, Alabama.
In the same way Flag celebrates the game of football at all levels, The Pro Bowl Games will highlight key partnerships that empower future generations, such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
With a long-standing league relationship that supports Flag football programs and drives social justice conversations as a recent Inspire Change grant recipient, Boys & Girls Clubs of America will team up with the NFL to elevate philanthropic efforts and community activations throughout the week of The Pro Bowl Games.
This collaboration will provide an opportunity for AFC and NFC Pro Bowl players to continue their ongoing engagement with America’s youth through exciting activities and in-person experiences.
While The Pro Bowl Games includes many new elements, it will maintain fan-favorite moments and events, including fan voting, which will start in the fall and help determine the NFC and AFC team rosters; skills activities, where the NFL’s best players participate in unique competitions; and the East-West Shrine Bowl, where senior collegiate pro prospects have an opportunity to showcase and develop their talents, as well as engage in life-changing experiences with the patients and families of the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Further into the season, the NFL will provide the week-long schedule and additional details surrounding The 2023 Pro Bowl Games.