NFL Stars Shine In San Francisco For 2026 Pro Bowl

The NFL’s brightest stars who missed out on Super Bowl LX took center stage in San Francisco for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, transforming the city into a football fan’s paradise for one action-packed Tuesday. This year, the Pro Bowl Games marked a shift from tradition, landing on February 3 at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse and Moscone Center, rather than the customary Sunday slot. The event kicked off Super Bowl week festivities, drawing attention with its revamped format and a dazzling array of talent from across the league.

Fans tuned in from across the country as coverage began at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the much-anticipated AFC vs. NFC flag football game scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. ESPN, Disney XD, and ESPN Deportes handled the broadcast, while streaming options included FuboTV, ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV, and NFL+. The commentary team featured Scott Van Pelt on play-by-play, Dan Orlovsky and Jason Kelce providing analysis, and sideline insights from Laura Rutledge and Michelle Beisner-Buck. Spanish-language coverage was also available on ESPN Deportes, ensuring fans of all backgrounds could catch every moment.

Unlike past Pro Bowls, this year’s edition leaned into the fun and spectacle of the game, featuring both a skills competition and a fast-paced 7-on-7 flag football matchup. The NFL’s decision to host the Pro Bowl on a Tuesday added a unique twist to the week, keeping the momentum high leading into Thursday’s NFL Honors and Sunday’s Super Bowl showdown. The event also underscored the league’s ongoing efforts to innovate and keep fans engaged during the postseason lull.

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2026 Pro Bowl was the star-studded coaching lineup. Hall of Famer Jerry Rice took the reins for the NFC, while fellow legend Steve Young guided the AFC squad. The Denver Broncos organization had a particularly strong presence: not only did five of their players make the Pro Bowl roster—wide receiver Courtland Sutton, left tackle Garett Bolles, defensive lineman Zach Allen, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, and cornerback Pat Surtain II—but Surtain’s father, Patrick Surtain Sr., served as the AFC’s defensive coordinator. That family connection added an extra layer of intrigue to the festivities.

Rosters for both conferences were shaped by a three-part voting process, with fans, players, and head coaches each contributing a third of the tally. Players from the two Super Bowl teams were ineligible to participate, and several others bowed out due to injury or personal reasons, with replacements quickly stepping up to fill the gaps. The selection process ensured that only the league’s most deserving and healthy stars took the field, keeping the competition fierce and the action lively.

The AFC’s quarterback room featured Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco, both representing the Cincinnati Bengals, alongside Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns. The wide receiver corps included Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins (Bengals), Nico Collins (Texans), and the Broncos’ own Courtland Sutton. Running backs Jonathan Taylor (Colts), De’Von Achane (Dolphins), and James Cook (Bills) added explosive potential. Up front, Garett Bolles joined Joe Alt (Chargers) and Dion Dawkins (Bills) at tackle, while Quinn Meinerz (Broncos), Quenton Nelson (Colts), and Trey Smith (Chiefs) anchored the guard positions. Creed Humphrey (Chiefs) and Tyler Linderbaum (Ravens) handled snapping duties.

On the defensive side, the AFC boasted Will Anderson (Texans), Maxx Crosby (Raiders), and Myles Garrett (Browns) at end, with Zach Allen (Broncos), Chris Jones (Chiefs), and Jeffery Simmons (Titans) plugging the middle. Linebackers Nik Bonitto (Broncos), Devin Lloyd (Jaguars), Tuli Tuipulotu (Chargers), Azeez Al-Shaair (Texans), and Roquan Smith (Ravens) rounded out a formidable unit. The secondary featured Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley (Texans), Patrick Surtain (Broncos), and Denzel Ward (Browns), with Calen Bullock (Texans), Kyle Hamilton (Ravens), and Derwin James (Chargers) patrolling the back end. Special teams were handled by Jordan Stout (Ravens), Cameron Dicker (Chargers), Ross Matiscik (Jaguars), Chimere Dike (Titans), and Ben Skowronek (Steelers).

The NFC’s quarterback trio included Jared Goff (Lions), Jalen Hurts (Eagles), and Dak Prescott (Cowboys). Wideouts Puka Nacua (Rams), CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens (Cowboys), and Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions) provided plenty of firepower. Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions), Christian McCaffrey (49ers), and Bijan Robinson (Falcons) kept defenses guessing. The offensive line featured Penei Sewell (Lions), Trent Williams (49ers), and Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers) at tackle, with Chris Lindstrom (Falcons), Tyler Smith (Cowboys), and Joe Thuney (Bears) at guard. Centers Drew Dalman (Bears) and Cam Jurgens (Eagles) rounded out the group.

The NFC defense was equally stacked, led by Aidan Hutchinson (Lions), DeMarcus Lawrence (Seahawks), and Micah Parsons (Packers) at end. Jalen Carter (Eagles), Leonard Williams (Seahawks), and Quinnen Williams (Cowboys) anchored the interior, while outside linebackers Brian Burns (Giants), Jared Verse and Byron Young (Rams) brought the heat off the edge. Inside linebackers Zack Baun (Eagles) and Jack Campbell (Lions) provided stability. The secondary included Cooper DeJean (Eagles), Jaycee Horn (Panthers), Keisean Nixon (Packers), and Nahshon Wright (Bears), with Kevin Byard (Bears), Antoine Winfield (Buccaneers), and Budda Baker (Cardinals) in support. Tress Way (Commanders), Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys), Jon Weeks (49ers), KaVontae Turpin (Cowboys), and Luke Gifford (49ers) handled special teams.

For the Broncos, the Pro Bowl served as a testament to the franchise’s depth and rising star power. Courtland Sutton’s selection capped off a stellar season, while Garett Bolles’ presence on the offensive line highlighted his consistency and leadership. Zach Allen and Nik Bonitto anchored a defense that’s been turning heads all year, and Pat Surtain II continued to cement his status as one of the league’s premier corners. With his father calling the defensive plays for the AFC, the Surtain family legacy was front and center—a storyline that resonated with fans and teammates alike.

The skills challenge brought out the competitive spirit in everyone, with players showing off their agility, accuracy, and raw athleticism. The 7-on-7 flag football game, meanwhile, delivered the kind of highlight-reel moments fans have come to expect from the Pro Bowl—trick plays, dazzling catches, and plenty of laughter between rivals-turned-teammates. The atmosphere was relaxed but electric, a perfect prelude to the high-stakes drama of Super Bowl week.

With the Pro Bowl Games now in the rearview mirror, attention quickly shifts to Thursday’s NFL Honors ceremony, where the league will recognize the season’s standout performances and moments. Then, it’s full steam ahead to Sunday’s Super Bowl, as football’s biggest prize awaits. For the players who took the field in San Francisco, the Pro Bowl offered a chance to celebrate their achievements, bond with peers, and entertain fans one more time before the offseason begins.

As the NFL continues to evolve its All-Star showcase, the 2026 Pro Bowl Games proved that even without the Super Bowl’s spotlight, the league’s top talents can still put on a show worth watching. The energy in San Francisco was palpable, and the memories made—both on and off the field—will no doubt carry through to next season and beyond.