Key Highlights
- The 2026 NFL Pro Bowl is being played on Tuesday night in San Francisco ahead of Super Bowl LX.
- The format includes flag football and skills competitions to reduce injury risk and refresh the event.
- A few high-profile players are skipping the game due to other commitments or lack of interest.
- This format will continue through 2027, with a potential shift in player participation levels.
Pro Bowl on Tuesday: A Bold Move?
It’s February 3rd, 2026. The NFL is taking a bold move by hosting the Pro Bowl on Tuesday night instead of the traditional Sunday afternoon slot. Located at Moscone Center in San Francisco, this unconventional timing aims to keep fans engaged during Super Bowl week.
Why Tuesday?
Executives like Peter O’Reilly see it as a strategic play: “This is clearly rooted in our commitment to flag and making sure we’re honoring players in the right way.” The format shift to flag football, with its smaller 50-yard field and different scoring, was implemented starting from the 2023 event. This move aims to reduce injury risk—always a key concern for any sports league—and bring fresh energy to an event that had become somewhat stagnant.
Flag Football Format
The Pro Bowl will feature flag football with touchdowns worth six points and the ability to try for one or two after. Teams can now focus on strategy in a lighter format, which is also part of the NFL’s broader strategic plan to spotlight flag football ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics.
High-Profile Absences
Several big names will be missing this year. Shedeur Sanders and Joe Burrow are among those who have opted out, with reasons including other commitments or a lack of appeal. Justin Fields from the New York Jets also declined to participate to focus on his offseason training.
The Future of Pro Bowl
Expect this format to continue through 2027 as part of the NFL’s plan for flag football. While player participation might become an issue, with stars potentially declining due to limited upside, there’s still enough enthusiasm from players and the league itself to keep it going.
Payouts
The winning team gets $96,000 per player, while the losing side earns $48,000. That’s a significant sum for mid-tier players but not as attractive for top stars who have bigger opportunities during the regular season and playoffs.
What It Means for the NFL
This move signals a shift in how the NFL sees its role beyond just the big games. With the Olympics on the horizon, they’re positioning themselves to take flag football seriously as part of their broader strategy. The Pro Bowl is now more than just an exhibition; it’s a step towards showcasing the sport globally.
So, why Tuesday?
It’s all about keeping the spotlight on football during Super Bowl week and aligning with future plans for Olympic inclusion. Whether this works in the long run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: The NFL isn’t messing around when it comes to innovation.