Broncos Shine At Pro Bowl Despite Meinerz Absence

The anticipation is building in San Francisco as the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games approach, and this year, the Denver Broncos have once again taken center stage. With a league-high six players initially elected to the Pro Bowl back in December 2025, the Broncos are making headlines for both their star power and a surprising absence. While most of their all-stars have touched down for the festivities, standout guard Quinn Meinerz has opted out of the event, citing personal reasons. His withdrawal has sparked conversation around the league, especially considering his similar decision last year, but the Broncos’ remaining Pro Bowlers are ready to represent Denver with pride.

Meinerz, who was named a starter for the AFC squad, declined his spot for the 2026 Pro Bowl, a move confirmed on February 1, 2026. According to the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson, "Meinerz was named a starter for this year's Pro Bowl, but he declined due to personal issues." This echoes his choice from the previous season, when he turned down an alternate selection because he didn’t want to be a replacement player. Despite speculation about a possible injury, there have been no reports of any serious health concern for Meinerz as of the start of February. His absence, however, hasn’t dampened the Broncos’ spirits as five of his teammates gear up for the league’s annual all-star showcase.

Those five Broncos—wide receiver Courtland Sutton, left tackle Garett Bolles, defensive lineman Zach Allen, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, and cornerback Pat Surtain—have all arrived in San Francisco and are embracing the Pro Bowl experience. They even checked in with a lively selfie video from Sunday’s practice, showing off their camaraderie and energy. Sutton, always a fan favorite, took a moment for a lighthearted interview with the club’s social media team, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations.

Adding a unique twist to this year’s event, Pat Surtain’s father, Patrick Surtain Sr., will serve as the AFC’s defensive coordinator. The elder Surtain, currently coaching defensive backs at Florida State, brings a wealth of experience and a personal connection to the field, making the Pro Bowl a true family affair for the Surtains. For Broncos fans, seeing both father and son on the same sideline is a heartwarming subplot to the week’s festivities.

The 2026 Pro Bowl Games are set to unfold at San Francisco’s Moscone Center South Building on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Festivities kick off at 4:30 p.m. MT, with the much-anticipated flag football game starting at 6:00 p.m. MT. This year, the NFL continues to put a twist on the traditional Pro Bowl format, emphasizing skill competitions and flag football to showcase the league’s best in a more relaxed, yet fiercely competitive, environment.

While the Broncos are grabbing headlines in the AFC, the NFC side is making news of its own. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is set to return to the Pro Bowl for the third time in his career, as announced on Friday, January 30, 2026. Hurts’ selection ties him with franchise legends Randall Cunningham, Norm Van Brocklin, and Bobby Thomason for the second-most Pro Bowl appearances by an Eagles quarterback. Only Donovan McNabb, with six selections, has more in team history.

Hurts’ journey to the Pro Bowl this season wasn’t straightforward. He replaces Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who is preparing to lead his team against the New England Patriots and rookie sensation Drake Maye in Super Bowl LX. Hurts will be joined in San Francisco by Eagles teammates Zack Baun, Jalen Carter, Cooper DeJean, and Cam Jurgens. The Eagles’ representation at the Pro Bowl remains strong despite their playoff disappointment, as their quest for back-to-back Super Bowl appearances was cut short in the wild card round.

Hurts’ 2025 campaign was one for the books. He threw a career-high 25 touchdown passes and became just the third player in Eagles history to record a perfect passer rating. His leadership and poise were evident throughout the season, helping the Eagles maintain their status as an NFC powerhouse. The team’s initial Pro Bowl roster also included cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, but he has since been replaced by the Chicago Bears’ Nahshon Wright, reflecting the fluid nature of all-star selections as Super Bowl contenders and injury replacements shuffle the lineups.

As the Pro Bowl approaches, the spotlight is firmly on the players who made the trip—and those who didn’t. For the Broncos, the absence of Quinn Meinerz is a notable storyline, especially given his status as one of the league’s top guards. Still, the presence of Sutton, Bolles, Allen, Bonitto, and Surtain ensures that Denver’s all-star contingent remains formidable. The team’s fans will be watching closely, eager to see how their stars perform on the national stage.

Meanwhile, the father-son dynamic between Pat Surtain and Patrick Surtain Sr. adds a layer of intrigue to the AFC sideline. It’s rare to see such a direct family connection at the Pro Bowl, and their collaboration could provide a boost to the AFC defense as they face off against the NFC’s best. For the Surtains, this week is about more than just football—it’s a celebration of legacy, mentorship, and the bonds that make the sport special.

Across the league, the Pro Bowl remains a time-honored tradition, bringing together the NFL’s elite for a midwinter showcase of talent and personality. The shift toward flag football and skills challenges has injected new life into the event, making it more accessible and entertaining for fans of all ages. This year’s location in San Francisco adds a vibrant backdrop, with the Moscone Center buzzing with activity as players, coaches, and fans converge for the festivities.

As Tuesday’s kickoff draws near, questions linger—will the Broncos’ all-stars make a statement in Meinerz’s absence? Can Jalen Hurts and his Eagles teammates shine after their playoff disappointment? And how will the family connection on the AFC sideline play out under the bright lights? One thing’s certain: with so much talent on display and so many storylines unfolding, this year’s Pro Bowl Games are shaping up to be a memorable chapter in the NFL’s ongoing saga.

For now, all eyes are on San Francisco, where the league’s best are ready to put on a show. Whether you’re a Broncos diehard, an Eagles supporter, or just a fan of the game, there’s plenty to watch for as the 2026 Pro Bowl Games get underway.