The Pro Bowl has long been the NFL’s way of showcasing the league’s biggest stars in an all-star setting, but for years, the game itself was anything but must-watch television.
Fans often criticized the lack of intensity, while players — understandably not wanting to risk injury — rarely played at full speed. By the late 2010s, the Pro Bowl had become more of a walkthrough than a competitive game, leading the NFL to explore new ways to make the event more engaging.
In 2023, the league made its most dramatic shift yet, replacing the traditional tackle football game with a flag football format. It was a bold move designed to inject more excitement into the Pro Bowl while also keeping players safe. As the NFL Pro Bowl Games approach, let’s take a look back at when and why the league made the change.
A New NFL Pro Bowl: The Switch to Flag Football
The NFL officially transitioned the Pro Bowl to a flag football format in 2023, branding it as the “Pro Bowl Games.” Instead of a single all-star game, the league introduced a week-long series of skill competitions, culminating in a 7-on-7 flag football game featuring the AFC and NFC’s top players.
The change was spearheaded by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who acknowledged the declining interest in the traditional game and wanted to create a safer, more entertaining event for fans.
The move to flag football allowed players to showcase their athleticism and creativity without the fear of serious injury. Peyton Manning and Eli Manning were brought in as head coaches for the AFC and NFC teams, adding even more personality to the revamped event.
By most accounts, the switch was a success. Players embraced the format, and fans responded positively to a game that finally felt fun again. With the NFL placing a greater emphasis on growing flag football—particularly with its inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics—the Pro Bowl’s transition to the non-contact version of the game made perfect sense.
The Changing Location of the Pro Bowl
While the format has changed, so too has the location. For three decades, the Pro Bowl was held in Honolulu, Hawaii, giving players and their families a tropical getaway to cap off the season. However, in 2017, the NFL moved the game to Orlando, Florida, seeking a more accessible location for fans while keeping the event in a warm-weather city.
After four years in Orlando, the league experimented with Las Vegas, hosting the Pro Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in 2022 and 2023. But in 2025, the Pro Bowl Games will return to Orlando, with the event being held in partnership with Florida Citrus Sports, Orange County, and the City of Orlando.
Pro Bowl Flag Football Rules
- 7-on-7 format played on a 50-yard field
- 12-minute quarters with a two-minute warning before halftime and at the end of the game
- Drives start at the five-yard line; teams have four downs to reach midfield for a first down, then four more to score
- Touchdowns = Six points; teams can go for one extra point from the five-yard line or two points from the 10-yard line
- The team with the most points at the end wins, with the game going to overtime if there is a tie
With its shift to a flag football format, the Pro Bowl now prioritizes fun, skill, and player safety. The change allows players to showcase their speed, creativity, and playmaking ability without the risk of serious injury, while also trying to make the game more competitive. So far, it’s been a success.