Quick Read
- The 2026 Pro Bowl Games will take place on Tuesday, February 3, at San Francisco’s Moscone Center.
- The event will feature a 7-on-7 flag football game and skill challenges, continuing a format introduced in 2023.
- Hall of Famers Steve Young (AFC) and Jerry Rice (NFC) will coach the respective teams.
- The game will be broadcast live on ESPN, ABC, and Disney XD, starting at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT).
- This year’s Pro Bowl is part of Super Bowl 60 week, which culminates with the Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots on February 8.
SAN FRANCISCO (Azat TV) – The National Football League’s (NFL) annual Pro Bowl Games are set to unfold with a significant shift for its 2026 edition, featuring a flag football showdown at San Francisco’s Moscone Center on Tuesday, February 3. This marks a departure from its traditional Sunday slot, repositioning the all-star event as a key highlight during Super Bowl 60 week festivities in the Bay Area and signaling the league’s continued commitment to player safety and fan engagement through an evolving format.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Pro Bowl will embrace a flag football format, a change initiated in 2023 to reduce injury risks associated with full-contact play and inject new excitement. The event will showcase a 7-on-7 flag football contest between top stars from the AFC and NFC, complemented by a series of skill challenges designed to highlight individual athleticism and playmaking abilities. This reimagined approach aims to deliver a fast-paced, entertaining spectacle for fans.
Pro Bowl 2026: New Day, New Location
The 2026 Pro Bowl is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (7 p.m. Central) on Tuesday, February 3. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN, ABC, and Disney XD, with streaming options available via the ESPN app and Fubo, which is offering a free trial. The decision to move the game to a weeknight primetime slot is an experiment that has already generated considerable discussion among the football community, marking the first time there will be no football on the Sunday before the Super Bowl since August.
San Francisco’s Moscone Center, typically known for large conventions, will be transformed into a vibrant football arena for the event. This relocation integrates the Pro Bowl more closely with Super Bowl week, which culminates on Sunday, February 8, when the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will compete in Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This strategic placement aims to sustain fan interest and build anticipation throughout the week leading up to the championship game.
AFC and NFC Rosters Feature Star-Studded Lineups
The Pro Bowl rosters were finalized through a voting process involving fans, players, and coaches. Alternates have stepped in for stars either sidelined by injury or preparing for Super Bowl 60. Guiding the teams on the sidelines are two iconic figures from the Bay Area: Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young will serve as the AFC head coach, while fellow Hall of Famer and 49ers legend Jerry Rice will lead the NFC squad. Their presence adds a nostalgic touch to the contemporary format, as reported by Evrim Agaci.
The AFC roster is headlined by quarterbacks Justin Herbert of the Chargers, Joe Flacco of the Bengals (replacing Josh Allen), and Shedeur Sanders of the Browns (replacing Drake Maye). Key offensive players include running backs James Cook (Bills), Jonathan Taylor (Colts), and De’Von Achane (Dolphins), alongside wide receivers such as Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals), Nico Collins (Texans), and Courtland Sutton (Broncos). On the defensive side, figures like Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, and Maxx Crosby are expected to anchor the squad, according to Marca.
For the NFC, quarterbacks Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Jared Goff (Lions, in for Matthew Stafford), and Jalen Hurts (Eagles, replacing Sam Darnold) lead the charge. The running back corps features Christian McCaffrey (49ers), Bijan Robinson (Falcons), and Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions). Dynamic wide receivers Puka Nacua (Rams), George Pickens (Cowboys), and Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions) are set to make an impact. Green Bay’s Keisean Nixon also earned a spot in the secondary, reflecting his standout season.
Skill Challenges and Super Bowl Week Integration
Beyond the flag football game, the Pro Bowl Games will feature a series of skill competitions. These events, ranging from precision passing to obstacle courses, provide additional opportunities for players to demonstrate their abilities in a low-impact environment. The two 20-minute halves of the flag football game, with a running clock for most of the duration, are designed to maintain a high pace and keep the audience engaged.
The Pro Bowl’s new scheduling on Tuesday, February 3, also strategically precedes the NFL Honors ceremony, which is slated for Thursday, February 5, at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts. This ceremony, airing on NBC, will announce the league’s top awards, including MVP and Coach of the Year, further contributing to the week-long celebration of football excellence before Super Bowl 60. The integrated schedule enhances the overall experience for both players and fans, creating a continuous narrative of NFL festivities leading up to the championship game, as noted by NorthJersey.com.
The NFL’s decision to shift the Pro Bowl to a Tuesday night flag football event during Super Bowl week underscores a deliberate strategy to re-energize its all-star showcase, prioritizing player welfare and maximizing fan engagement by integrating it into a broader week of celebration rather than allowing it to compete as a standalone, less impactful exhibition.