The NFL will replace the Pro Bowl with a skills contest and flag football game, The Associated Press has learned.
The new event will replace the full-contact exhibition that began in 1951. It will be renamed “The Pro Bowl Games” and will feature players from both conferences getting to show off their skills over several days.
The 2023 edition will be held in Las Vegas, with the flag football game taking place at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, February 5.
Peyton Manning and his company Omaha Productions will be in charge of shaping the programming and promoting the content of the event throughout the week. Manning, a 14-time Pro Bowl selection in a Hall of Fame career, will bring his perspective and will also be part of the coaching staff at the flag game.
“The Pro Bowl was something we’d been looking at for a long time, which continues to evolve,” NFL executive Peter O’Reilly told The Associated Press. “After last year’s game, we made the decision by taking into account a lot of internal consultation, getting feedback from general managers and coaches, getting a lot of feedback from players.”
“We think there is a real opportunity to do something completely different and get away from the traditional game of American football,” he added. “We decided the goal is to highlight 88 of the biggest stars in the NFL in a way that is really positive, fun and competitive.”
O’Reilly mentioned that recent Pro Bowl entrants favored keeping it a multi-day event.
The Pro Bowl debuted in January 1951 in Los Angeles, taking place in that city for 21 seasons before moving to various cities between 1971 and 1980. Hawaii was the venue from 1980 to 2009. The game has had multiple locations since then, including Miami , Phoenix, Orlando and Las Vegas.
The quality of the Pro Bowl has been frequently criticized. Players, concerned regarding avoiding injury, treat it as an exhibition rather than a competition. A flag game would increase the intensity while avoiding injury from tackles, blocks, and other hits.
“The Pro Bowl has always been a time to kick back and celebrate the game of football with teammates, fans and family,” Manning told the AP.
Fan voting will continue to determine the AFC and NFC rosters.
Tom Brady is the player with the most Pro Bowl invitations with 15. Four players have 14 invitations, including Manning.