NFL Stars Shine As Pro Bowl Electrifies San Francisco

The NFL’s brightest stars gathered under the San Francisco lights on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as the much-anticipated Pro Bowl Games took center stage at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse—just days before the city hosts Super Bowl LX. Unlike previous years, this year’s Pro Bowl unfolded on a Tuesday, a strategic shift designed to amplify the week’s football festivities and give fans a double dose of gridiron excitement.

Coverage of the 2026 Pro Bowl Games began at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the flagship event—a high-octane 7-on-7 flag football showdown between the AFC and NFC—kicking off at 8 p.m. ET. For those tuning in from home, the event was broadcast across ESPN, Disney XD, and ESPN Deportes, with streaming options available on FuboTV, ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV, NFL+, and more. The commentary booth was stacked with familiar faces: Scott Van Pelt delivered play-by-play, joined by analysts Dan Orlovsky and Jason Kelce, while Laura Rutledge and Michelle Beisner-Buck provided updates from the sidelines.

Legendary NFL icons took up coaching duties this year, with Jerry Rice guiding the NFC squad and Steve Young steering the AFC team. This dynamic duo brought a wealth of experience and a touch of nostalgia to the proceedings, energizing both players and fans alike. Adding a family twist, Patrick Surtain Sr. served as the AFC’s defensive coordinator, overseeing a roster that included his son, Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II.

Speaking of the Broncos, Denver’s presence was felt throughout the event. Five Broncos earned Pro Bowl nods: wide receiver Courtland Sutton, left tackle Garett Bolles, defensive lineman Zach Allen, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, and, of course, Pat Surtain II. Their selection was a testament to the team’s depth and the individual excellence of each player. As the festivities unfolded, fans from the Mile High City and beyond tuned in to see their stars shine among the NFL’s elite.

The 2026 Pro Bowl format continued its recent evolution, moving away from the traditional full-contact game and embracing a skills challenge followed by the now signature 7-on-7 flag football contest. This approach not only heightened the entertainment factor but also reduced injury risk for the league’s marquee talents. The rosters themselves were crafted through a three-part voting process, blending input from fans, fellow players, and head coaches—a democratic approach that ensured the game’s brightest and most deserving athletes took the field.

Of course, not every selected player suited up. As is tradition, those participating in Super Bowl LX were absent, focusing on the championship ahead. Injuries and personal decisions also led to a handful of replacements, but the depth of NFL talent meant the event never lacked star power. The AFC’s quarterback room, for instance, featured Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco of the Cincinnati Bengals, alongside Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns. The NFC countered with Jared Goff (Detroit Lions), Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles), and Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) leading their offense.

Wide receiver talent was on full display. The AFC boasted Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins from the Bengals, Nico Collins (Houston Texans), and Denver’s own Courtland Sutton. The NFC’s arsenal included Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams), CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens (Dallas Cowboys), and Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions). With such explosive playmakers, the flag football format promised— and delivered—plenty of highlight-reel moments.

In the trenches, the Broncos’ representatives stood tall. Garett Bolles anchored the AFC offensive line, while Zach Allen and Nik Bonitto contributed on the defensive side. Pat Surtain II, already regarded as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks, added another accolade to his growing résumé. The presence of Patrick Surtain Sr. as defensive coordinator added a unique layer of mentorship and family pride, with the elder Surtain’s experience shaping the AFC’s defensive schemes.

“It’s an honor to coach this group and to see my son out there competing at the highest level,” Patrick Surtain Sr. said, reflecting on the family affair. According to ESPN’s broadcast, the Surtains became one of the few father-son duos to participate in the Pro Bowl in such prominent roles.

The skills challenge, a fan-favorite addition in recent years, saw players compete in events testing agility, precision, and creativity. From precision passing to lightning-fast sprints and innovative catch drills, the competition was fierce but friendly. The flag football game itself was a showcase of athleticism and improvisation, with both conferences trading touchdowns in a rapid-fire, offense-first affair. While the result was still up in the air at press time, the action was undeniably electric—fans were treated to dazzling catches, slick lateral plays, and a few trick plays that had the crowd on its feet.

For viewers, the broadcast team kept the energy high. Scott Van Pelt’s signature enthusiasm, paired with Dan Orlovsky’s sharp analysis and Jason Kelce’s fresh-from-the-field perspective, made for a lively and informative viewing experience. Sideline reporters Laura Rutledge and Michelle Beisner-Buck captured player reactions and behind-the-scenes moments, bringing fans closer to the action.

As the Pro Bowl wrapped up, attention began shifting to the rest of the week’s festivities. The NFL Honors ceremony is set to follow on Thursday evening, where the league’s top performers will be recognized in categories ranging from MVP to Rookie of the Year. Then, of course, all eyes will turn to Super Bowl LX, as the final two teams vie for football’s ultimate prize.

For the Broncos’ contingent, the Pro Bowl was both a reward for a season of hard work and a chance to represent their city on a national stage. Courtland Sutton, reflecting on his selection, said, “It’s always special to share this experience with teammates and compete against the best in the league.” The Denver faithful had plenty to cheer about, with their stars making major contributions on both sides of the ball.

With the NFL’s top talents on display, a festive atmosphere in San Francisco, and a new twist on the classic all-star game, the 2026 Pro Bowl Games offered fans a thrilling prelude to the championship showdown still to come. As the final whistle approached, one thing was clear: football’s biggest week was off to a roaring start, and the best was yet to come.