What is the new format for the NFL Pro Bowl?

The NFL Pro Bowl has adopted a 7-on-7 flag football format, eliminating tackling and using a 50-yard field.

Who are the coaches for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games?

NFL legends Steve Young is coaching the AFC, and Jerry Rice is coaching the NFC.

Why did Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford opt out of the Pro Bowl?

Josh Allen opted out due to a broken bone in his foot, and Matthew Stafford withdrew because of an aggravated back disk.

Home / Sports / Manning Out, Young & Rice In For Flag Pro Bowl

Manning Out, Young & Rice In For Flag Pro Bowl

4 Feb

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Summary

NFL Pro Bowl now features flag football with no tackling.
Steve Young and Jerry Rice coach opposing teams this year.
Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford opted out due to injuries.

Manning Out, Young & Rice In For Flag Pro Bowl

The NFL Pro Bowl has undergone a significant transformation, integrating with Super Bowl week and adopting a 7-on-7 flag football format. This year's event, held in San Francisco, eschews tackling in favor of a 50-yard field with a focus on trick plays and celebrity involvement. Longtime coaches Eli and Peyton Manning have been replaced by NFL legends Steve Young, coaching the AFC, and Jerry Rice, leading the NFC.

Key player absences due to injury include starting quarterbacks Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford, with replacements Joe Burrow, Joe Flacco, and Shedeur Sanders for the AFC, and Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, and Jared Goff for the NFC. Rosters are determined by fan, player, and coach votes. The league continues to innovate the Pro Bowl format, which has seen various locations and includes skills challenges alongside the flag football games since 2023.

The broadcast will feature a star-studded lineup including Scott Van Pelt, Jason Kelce, and Dan Orlovsky. Coverage begins with "Postseason NFL Countdown" at 6:30 p.m. ET. Notably, flag football is set to become an official Olympic discipline at the 2028 Summer Games.