Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball during NFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jared Goff, NFC defeat AFC to win Pro Bowl Games

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff tossed three touchdowns and two defenders scored on interception returns Sunday as the NFC won the flag football game 56-50 and the overall competition 76-63 at the 2025 Pro Bowl Games in Orlando, Fla.

Goff completed 10 of 11 passes for 126 yards, while the Arizona Cardinals’ Budda Baker and Minnesota Vikings’ Byron Murphy each returned interceptions for touchdowns in the second half to end any AFC comeback chances. Goff was named the game’s offensive MVP and Murphy was announced as defensive MVP.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield threw three touchdowns of his own, and New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers scored two TDs on five receptions.

The AFC was paced by the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Russell Wilson, who tossed four touchdown passes in defeat.

Coming into the day, the NFC had a 14-7 lead on the overall scoreboard, winning Thursday’s skills events competition.

The NFC increased its advantage and grabbed a 13-6 lead at the flag football game through one quarter of play. Goff threw touchdown passes to San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Nabers.

Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow answered with a scoring toss to Bengals teammate Ja’Marr Chase, but Burrow was also picked off by the Lions’ Brian Branch to close the first quarter.

Chase, the league’s leader in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns, finished with five catches for 101 yards and three touchdowns.

The “punt perfect” event was held at the quarter break, and Jacksonville’s Logan Cooke won in a sudden death overtime, making his kick and watching the Lions’ Jack Fox’s effort bounce out. That gave the AFC a 3-0 win in that portion of the event, cutting the overall deficit to 27-16.

The NFC responded quickly, as Goff found Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a short route, and Smith-Njigba split the defense to score from 46 yards out.

The AFC looked in danger of falling even further behind before Marlon Humphrey of the Baltimore Ravens intercepted Minnesota’s Sam Darnold. That set up Wilson finding the Jaguars’ Brian Thomas for a touchdown, making the flag football score 19-12.

Darnold answered with a scoring pass to Vikings teammate Justin Jefferson.

At halftime, it was revealed the AFC won the “Madden NFL Head-to-Head” challenge, prevailing in a game of Madden 2025. Thomas and the Los Angeles Chargers’ Derwin James defeated Jefferson and the Dallas Cowboys’ Micah Parsons to earn the AFC three more points.

Halftime also featured an obstacle course relay, “The Great Football Race,” in which the NFC teammates prevailed to score three points and build their overall lead to 42-25.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye entered the game in the third quarter and immediately introduced some chaos, surrendering a pick-6 to Baker before tossing two quick touchdowns (to Chase and Thomas) to put the flag football score at 31-26.

Mayfield answered with a touchdown pass to 49ers tight end George Kittle to close out the quarter, and then the NFC added three more points by winning the tug of war competition to build a 58-39 lead going into the fourth.

Maye surrendered another pick-6 to Murphy on the first play of the fourth, and the teams traded touchdowns most of the rest of the way.

–Field Level Media

Dec 29, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) heads to the locker room for half time against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Titans DT Jeffery Simmons, Steelers LB Patrick Queen added to Pro Bowl Games

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen were added to the Pro Bowl Games roster as replacements on Wednesday.

Simmons, who also went to the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022, replaces Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike, who is out due to an injury.

Queen, who represented the Ravens at the 2023 Pro Bowl, replaces Baltimore linebacker Roquan Smith.

The Pro Bowl Games will take place on Thursday (7-8:30 p.m. ET) and Sunday (3-6 p.m. ET) in Orlando, Fla.

Simmons, 27, led the Titans with 42 quarterback pressures and was second with 76 tackles this season. He also had five sacks, 11 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 16 games (all starts).

The Titans selected Simmons 19th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State.

Queen, 25, who signed as a free agent with the Steelers before the 2024 season, finished with a team-high 129 tackles. He also had one sack, six tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in starting all 17 regular-season games. He also started an AFC wild-card game and had 10 tackles in a 28-14 loss at Baltimore.

The Ravens selected Queen 28th overall in the 2020 draft out of LSU.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) runs into the end zone for a touchdown in there second quarter during a game between New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024.

Bucs WR Mike Evans, Giants rookie Malik Nabers get Pro Bowl nods

Wide receivers Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and rookie Malik Nabers of the New York Giants have been added to this week’s Pro Bowl Games, the NFL announced Monday.

Evans, who is going to his sixth career Pro Bowl, replaces the Dallas Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb, while Nabers — originally a second alternate — takes the place of the Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown. Both Lamb and St. Brown are out due to injury.

Nabers, 21, missed two early-season games with a concussion but went on to set a franchise record with 109 receptions, also the most by a rookie wide receiver in league history. The Los Angeles Rams’ Puka Nacua had set the mark last season with 105.

Nabers totaled 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns, and he was voted to the 2024 NFL All-Rookie team. The Giants selected Nabers sixth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft out of LSU.

He joins defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II in representing the Giants at the Pro Bowl Games, which are Thursday through Sunday in Orlando.

Evans, 31, caught 74 passes for 1,004 yards and 11 TDs in 14 games this season, his 11th in the NFL. He tied Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice with his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season. Only Rice has more total 1,000-yard receiving seasons at 14.

Evans also went to the Pro Bowl in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2023. He joins defensive tackle Vita Vea and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs as Bucs at this year’s competition.

–Field Level Media

Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) drops back to pass the ball during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Ravens, Lions lead selections for Pro Bowl Games

The Baltimore Ravens placed nine players on the 2025 Pro Bowl Games rosters, announced Thursday by the NFL.

The Detroit Lions also saw seven players picked, one of six teams with at least five players chosen for the event, which culminates Feb. 2 with a flag football game between the AFC and NFC in Orlando.

The Minnesota Vikings (six), Philadelphia Eagles (six), Chiefs (five) and Dallas Cowboys (five) joined the Ravens and Lions atop the list, although one player is notably absent from Kansas City’s entries — quarterback Patrick Mahomes, breaking a string of six consecutive selections for the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and three-time Super Bowl MVP.

Instead, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills got the nod as the AFC starter, with Jared Goff of the Lions named the starter for the NFC. Of course, both players will hope to miss the Pro Bowl Games in lieu of a run toward the Super Bowl.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders and tight end Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders, both standout rookies, were among the Pro Bpwl Games selections.

2025 AFC Pro Bowl Games roster by position
Offense
*Denotes starter

Quarterback:
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills*
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Running back:
Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens*
Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Fullback:
Patrick Ricard, Baltimore Ravens*

Wide receiver:
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals*
Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns*
Nico Collins, Houston Texans
Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens

Tight end:
Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders*
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

Offensive tackle:
Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills*
Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans*
Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers

Offensive guard:
Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts*
Joe Thuney, Kansas City Chiefs*
Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Center:
Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs*
Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens

Defense

Defensive end:
Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns*
Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals*
Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders

Interior linemen:
Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers*
Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs*
Nnamdi Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens

Outside linebacker:
Nik Bonitto, Denver Broncos*
T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers*
Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers

Inside/middle linebacker:
Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens*
Zaire Franklin, Indianapolis Colts

Cornerback:
Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans*
Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos*
Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens
Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns

Free safety:
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers*

Strong safety:
Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens*
Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

Special teams

Long snapper:
Ross Matiscik, Jacksonville Jaguars*

Punter:
Logan Cooke, Jacksonville Jaguars*

Placekicker:
Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh Steelers*

Return specialist:
Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos*

Special teamer:
Brenden Schooler, New England Patriots*

2025 NFC Pro Bowl Games roster by position

Quarterback:
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions*
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings

Running back:
Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles*
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers

Fullback:
Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco 49ers

Wide receiver:
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings*
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions*
CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders

Tight end:
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers*
Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

Offensive tackle:
Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles*
Landon Dickerson, Philadelphia Eagles*
Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys*
Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons

Center:
Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions*
Cam Jurgens, Philadelphia Eagles

Defense

Defensive end:
Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers*
Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys*
Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers

Interior linemen:
Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles*
Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants*
Vita Vea, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Outside linebacker:
Jonathan Greenard, Minnesota Vikings*
Andrew Van Ginkel, Minnesota Vikings*
Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams

Inside/middle linebacker:
Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers*
Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles

Cornerback:
Jaylen Johnson, Chicago Bears*
Byron Murphy, Minnesota Vikings*
Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers
Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks

Free safety:
Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers*

Strong safety:
Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals*
Brian Branch, Detroit Lions

Special teams

Long snapper:
Andrew DePaola, Minnesota Vikings*

Punter:
Jack Fox, Detroit Lions*

Placekicker:
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys*

Return specialist:
KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys*

Special teamer:
KhaDarel Hodge, Atlanta Falcons*

–Field Level Media

Feb 4, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) of the Los Angeles Chargers attempts to make a catch during the 2024 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Trivia, tug-of-war on tap for Pro Bowl Games

Dodgeball, tug-of-war and a trivia contest are among the events that will make up the 2025 Pro Bowl Skills competition, the NFL announced Thursday.

AFC and NFC players selected for the Pro Bowl will compete in a 7-on-7 flag football game, which has replaced the traditional Pro Bowl game, on Feb. 2 in Orlando, Fla. But the weekend will be filled with a variety of fun and games.

On Jan. 30, the events begin with Passing the Test, which combines passing accuracy with player trivia. The Pro Bowl quarterbacks will try to hit as many targets as they can in 40 seconds. Before that, each will pair with a teammate to try to answer five questions about current players. For each right answer, the quarterback gets an additional 10 seconds to hit targets and score points.

Other contests throughout the weekend include Satisfying Catches, with a receiver, tight end and defensive back from each conference trying to navigate an obstacle course that includes football moves; a Relay Race, in which players take part in a 40-yard relay dash that requires them to hand the football to a teammate; and dodgeball, a three-round tournament with six teams participating, AFC vs. NFC style.

The Great Football Race features six players from each conference going relay-style to finish five challenges, including the sled push. And the Tug-of-War features five players on each side trying to pull the other team into a foam pit. The competition is best-of-three.

–Field Level Media

Feb 2, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; The Pro Bowl Games logo on the Camping World Stadium facade. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFC defeats AFC 64-59 at Pro Bowl Games

Baker Mayfield’s fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Jahmyr Gibbs turned out to be the winning play as the NFC defeated the AFC 64-59 at the Pro Bowl Games on Sunday in Orlando, Fla.

The NFC had a 12-6 lead after Thursday’s skills competitions and had just enough cushion to withstand C.J. Stroud and the AFC team in flag football to conclude the multi-day event.

After the touchdown by Gibbs, the Detroit Lions running back, both defenses combined to pull out a series of stops. Stroud’s last-ditch pass to Keenan Allen in the end zone was broken up.

Standout Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker won three points for the AFC in “Kick-Tac-Toe,” which saw him and Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey take turns kicking into a tic-tac-toe matrix built between goalposts.

The NFC, however, piled up points with victories in several other competitions, including a “Madden NFL” video game event, “Best Catch” and a tug-of-war.

That allowed the Eli Manning-captained NFC team to withstand the Peyton Manning-coached AFC team in flag football. The AFC outscored the NFC 50-34 in flag football, yet it fell five points short of the overall victory.

Allen, the veteran Los Angeles Chargers receiver, caught nine passes for 90 yards and three touchdowns. He also completed a touchdown pass on a trick play. Stroud of the Houston Texans, Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins and Gardner Minshew of the Indianapolis Colts completed two touchdown passes apiece.

Seattle’s Geno Smith had two touchdowns and three interceptions. Tampa Bay’s Mayfield added two touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit) caught 10 balls for 117 yards and a touchdown, and CeeDee Lamb (Dallas) caught three touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Feb 1, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA;  Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) participates in the NFL Pro Bowl Skills Competition at the UCF NIcholson Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

NFC takes early lead vs. AFC at Pro Bowl Games

The NFC holds a 12-6 lead over the AFC after the first day of the Pro Bowl Games skills challenges on Thursday in Orlando.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield beat Houston Texas rookie C.J. Stroud in the final round of the Precision Passing competition, one of six events held Thursday with the teams earning three points for each win.

The NFC also won the Closest to the Pin challenge, which had five players from each conference hit a golf ball as close to the hole as possible. Dallas Cowboys punter Bryan Anger sealed the victory for the NFC.

The AFC won the High Stakes event, which began with each player holding two footballs as he attempted to catch punts from a JUGS machine. Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew won the event for the AFC by catching a punt while holding five footballs. He failed in his attempt to catch a seventh ball.

Minnesota Vikings long snapper Andrew DePaola won the Snap Shots competition for the NFC. DePaola scored nine points in the 45-second round, snapping footballs at targets of various sizes from 13 yards away.

There was also a multi-round dodgeball tournament, featuring four teams of seven players. The AFC offense defeated the NFC defense, but the NFC offense returned the favor, beating the AFC defense.

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua faced off in the Best Catch competition, which was a test of creativity, inventiveness and talent as each player got three attempts to secure the reception.

Nacua caught a pass while riding a wakeboard at high speed. Njoku failed in his three attempts at catching a pass while doing a backflip off a rope. Fans will vote online to determine the winner.

The skills challenges continue Sunday with five more competitions.

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker and Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey will face off in Kick Tac Toe, which will test their accuracy in a giant Tic-Tac-Toe board.

In Move the Chains, offensive and defensive linemen will work together to move 3,000 pounds of weights off a wall and be the first team to pull the wall across the finish line.

There will also be a classic tug-of-war as five players from each conference attempt to pull the opposing team to their side in a best-of-three competition.

The Gridiron Gauntlet will be a full-field relay race between six players from each conference as they navigate an obstacle course.

The Madden Head-to-Head Challenge will pit Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill and Njoku against Nacua and Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons as they compete on the virtual gridiron.

The Sunday slate also will include a flag football game.

The conference that wins the competition will earn $88,000 for each of the competitors. The competitors on the losing team will earn $44,000.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) attempts a pass against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Brock Purdy one of nine 49ers on NFC Pro Bowl roster

The San Francisco 49ers, who will head into the playoffs as the top seed in the NFC, had a league-high nine players selected for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games.

Eight 49ers were chosen as starters for the flag football game in which the AFC will oppose the NFC on Feb. 4 in Orlando. Skills competitions also will be contested.

Quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa will be among the San Francisco starters, as will fullback Kyle Juszczyk, tackle Trent Williams, linebacker Fred Warner and cornerback Charvarius Ward.

Niners defensive lineman Javon Hargrave landed on the NFC squad as a reserve.

The Baltimore Ravens, who secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 56-19 drubbing of the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, had seven Pro Bowl selections, including quarterback Lamar Jackson and safety Kyle Hamilton.

Seven Cowboys were chosen for the Pro Bowl Games.

Pro Bowl starters:

AFC
Offense:
QB Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins)
RB Raheem Mostert (Dolphins)
FB Alec Ingold (Dolphins)
WR Tyreek Hill (Dolphins), Amari Cooper (Browns)
TE Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
T Laremy Tunsil (Texans), Dion Dawkins (Bills)
G Quenton Nelson (Colts), Joel Bitonio (Browns)
C Creed Humphrey (Chiefs)

Defense:
DE Myles Garrett (Browns), Maxx Crosby (Raiders)
DL Chris Jones (Chiefs), Quinnen Williams (Jets)
OLB T.J. Watt (Steelers), Khalil Mack (Chargers)
MLB Roquan Smith (Ravens)
CB Pat Surtain II (Broncos), Sauce Gardner (Jets)
FS Justin Simmons (Broncos)
SS Kyle Hamilton (Ravens)

Special teams:
LS Ross Matiscik (Jaguars)
P AJ Cole (Raiders)
K Justin Tucker (Ravens)
KR Marvin Mims Jr. (Broncos)
ST Miles Killebrew (Steelers)

NFC
Offense:
QB Brock Purdy (49ers)
RB Christian McCaffrey (49ers)
FB Kyle Juszczyk (49ers)
WR CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys), A.J. Brown (Eagles)
TE George Kittle (49ers)
T Trent Williams (49ers), Lane Johnson (Eagles)
G Zack Martin (Cowboys), Chris Lindstrom (Falcons)
C Jason Kelce (Eagles)

Defense:
DE Nick Bosa (49ers), Montez Sweat (Bears)
DL Aaron Donald (Rams), Dexter Lawrence (Giants)
OLB Micah Parsons (Cowboys), Danielle Hunter (Vikings)
MLB Fred Warner (49ers)
CB DaRon Bland (Cowboys), Charvarius Ward (49ers)
FS Jessie Bates (Falcons)
SS Budda Baker (Cardinals)

Special teams:
LS: Andrew DePaola (Vikings)
P Bryan Anger (Cowboys)
K Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys)
KR Rashid Shaheed (Saints)
ST Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Lions)

–Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Cleveland Browns defensiven end Myles Garrett (95) before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Browns DE Myles Garrett dislocates toe in Pro Bowl Games

Taking tackling out of the equation did not prevent all injuries at the inaugural Pro Bowl Games.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett limped off the field during one of Sunday’s flag football games in Las Vegas, and the team later confirmed reports that Garrett had dislocated his toe.

X-rays on the toe came back negative, the Browns added. It was unclear how long the injury would sideline Garrett as the offseason gets under way.

The former No. 1 overall draft pick in 2017 was a Pro Bowl selection for the fourth time. In 16 games (15 starts) in the 2022 season, Garrett racked up 16 sacks (matching his career high), two forced fumbles and 60 total tackles.

–Field Level Media

Feb 4, 2023; Paradise, NV, USA; NFL coach Eli Manning (left) talks with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during practice at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kirk Cousins, NFC top AFC at first-ever ‘Pro Bowl Games’

Kirk Cousins connected with George Kittle on a 12-yard touchdown pass and scrambled away from a blitz to hit Minnesota Vikings teammate Justin Jefferson on the one-point conversion to lift the NFC to a victory over the AFC in the inaugural Pro Bowl Games on Sunday in Las Vegas.

The NFC beat the AFC 27-21 in the final tally, which awarded points for three short flag football games and a host of skills events that ranged from “Best Catch” to “Kick-Tac-Toe.”

The NFC, which trailed 9-3 after Thursday’s slate of skills competitions, tied the score at 21 entering the final flag football game. Cousins threw three touchdown passes, besting Derek Carr’s two for the AFC in likely his last appearance in Las Vegas as a member of the Raiders. The NFC won the decisive game 35-33 after Carr found Dawson Knox for a late touchdown but the AFC failed to convert a two-point attempt.

Eli Manning coached the NFC team and Peyton Manning did the same for the AFC. The brothers’ production company was also responsible for “reimagining” the all-star exhibition that had drawn criticism over the years for its lackluster showings as players did not want to risk injury.

Ironically, the format change — featuring 7-on-7 games that followed standard flag football rules — did not prevent injuries for all. Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett reportedly suffered a dislocated toe during one of the flag contests.

Tyler Huntley — the Baltimore Ravens’ backup quarterback, in the game as a reserve — threw four touchdowns in the first game, two to Baltimore teammate Mark Andrews, but Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks beat that with five touchdowns as the NFC won the first flag game 33-27.

Stefon Diggs, who also lost the “Best Catch” final to Detroit Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, caught the go-ahead touchdown for the AFC to ultimately win the second flag game 18-13.

–Field Level Media