LAS VEGAS — The revamped Pro Bowl games kick off at 3 p.m. ET at Allegiant Stadium on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+, as some of the NFL’s brightest stars face off in a series of competitive skills challenges and three rounds of flag football which will crown the events of the week.
On tap for Sunday is a continuation of the skills portion that started on Thursday. Still to come is the completion of the best grip competition, the grill gauntlet, the tac kick, and a chain movement event which is a test of strength.
The AFC won three of Thursday’s four events, so they enter Sunday with a 9-3 lead (skills competitions are worth three points each). Combined scores will carry over into the flag football portion to raise the stakes of matches, which players expect to be quite competitive given the reduced risk of injury.
“I think the guys are going to go after it,” Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II said. “I think it will be next level in terms of competition. It’s the best of the best.”
A PENALTY FOR ROUGHNESS? The first half of the first flag football game in Pro Bowl history is in the books, and the most memorable play so far is a…unnecessary roughness penalty?
It’s true. Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey slammed into Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, knocking Hill forcefully out of bounds as he crossed the goal line for an AFC touchdown. The game sparked playful jostling between the teams.
The AFC and NFC are tied 20-20 in this first of three flag games. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews caught two touchdowns from Baltimore teammate Tyler Huntley.
