Jalen Hurts said the Pro Bowl’s shift to flag football no longer carries the stigma it once did, and he thinks the All-Star game remains fiercely competitive. After throwing three touchdown passes in the NFC’s 66-52 victory over the AFC, Hurts said the event made him feel young again while also stirring his competitive instincts, and he noted that if flag football becomes an Olympic sport in 2028, many athletes would want to compete for their country.
The high-scoring contest was played indoors at San Francisco’s Moscone Center in front of about 3,100 fans and featured strong participation from both teams. This edition marked the first time the Pro Bowl took place during Super Bowl week, with local legends Jerry Rice and Steve Young—who combine for 20 Pro Bowl selections—serving as head coaches; the Super Bowl is scheduled for Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Dak Prescott threw four touchdown passes while wearing a bucket hat, and Jared Goff connected on two scoring throws. On the AFC side, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw a touchdown and completed a trick play with Dolphins back Devon Ashen that resulted in him recording both a pass and a reception on the same sequence. It was a good night for Cincinnati: Tee Higgins hauled in a TD from Joe Flacco, and Ja’Marr Chase made a one-handed interception of Goff and returned it 50 yards for a score.
Rookie Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders started for the AFC as a late replacement for Drake Maye, finishing with 152 yards and two touchdowns. Broncos tackle Garrett Bolles caught one of Sanders’ TD passes and capitalized on the moment. (Associated Press)
Fan Take: This game matters because it shows the Pro Bowl can be entertaining and competitive even in a flag format, keeping star players engaged and giving fans a fun showcase during Super Bowl week. If flag football gains traction—possibly even as an Olympic sport—this kind of visibility could broaden the NFL’s audience and create new pathways for athletes and fan engagement.
