NFL Replaces Pro Bowl with Manning-Led Flag Football Game

The Pro Bowl is gone, and the NFL is tapping Peyton Manning for an event that elevates youth sports.

The week-long event will be rebranded as “The Pro Bowl Games” and feature top AFC and NFC stars facing off in skills competitions, culminating in a flag football game. 

• The series of competitions will take place in Las Vegas, with the flag football game happening on Feb. 5 at Allegiant Stadium, a week before Super Bowl LVII. ABC and ESPN will broadcast the game.
• The league has not yet announced the other contests, describing them as “challenges where players showcase their football and non-football skills.”
• Peyton Manning and his Omaha Productions will partner with the league and ESPN on the revamped games. Manning will also be part of the coaching staff for the culminating flag football game.

Last season’s Pro Bowl drew 6.7 million viewers across ABC, ESPN, and DisneyXD — a 16-year low.

Raise the Flag

The Pro Bowl Games aim to grow youth interest and participation in football.

“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,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business and league events.

The league noted that “flag football has been a critical piece of the NFL’s participation and development strategy, due to its highly accessible and inclusive qualities.”

The week will also include games between top boys’ and girls’ flag football teams from around the country.