The Pro Bowl switched to a flag football format starting with the 2023 event, when it was rebranded as “The Pro Bowl Games.”

Quick Scoop: Key Facts

  • The NFL announced the makeover in September 2022, replacing the traditional tackle all‑star game with a new Pro Bowl Games concept built around skills contests and a flag football finale.
  • The first official flag football Pro Bowl was played in Las Vegas on February 5, 2023, as an AFC vs. NFC 7‑on‑7 flag game.
  • From 1951 through 2022, the Pro Bowl had been a tackle football game, though it became increasingly low-contact in later years.

Why the Change Happened

The switch in 2023 was driven by a mix of safety, entertainment, and image concerns.

  • Player safety: Teams and fans worried about injuries in what had become a low‑stakes exhibition, so a non‑contact format greatly reduced risk.
  • Better participation: More stars were expected to show up and actually play if they didn’t have to risk serious hits.
  • Entertainment value: The old Pro Bowl was criticized as slow and uncompetitive; seven‑on‑seven flag football promised faster play, more scoring, and more creativity.
  • Big-picture strategy: The NFL is also using the Pro Bowl flag format to help spotlight flag football ahead of its Olympic debut at LA 2028.

Mini Timeline

  • 1951–2022: Traditional tackle Pro Bowl, with various format tweaks over the years.
  • September 2022: NFL announces the new Pro Bowl Games and the move to a flag football game.
  • February 5, 2023: First Pro Bowl Games flag football matchup between AFC and NFC in Las Vegas.
  • 2024–2026: The Pro Bowl Games continue as a week‑long skills and flag football event, with the league leaning into flag as a showcase and tying it into Super Bowl week by 2026.

FAQ Style Quick Answers

  • Exact year of the switch? 2023 was the first year the Pro Bowl was officially played as flag football.
  • Is it all flag now? Yes, the main “game” is a non‑contact flag football contest, surrounded by skills competitions and fan events.
  • Is the Pro Bowl name gone? It’s now branded as “The Pro Bowl Games,” but it’s still the NFL’s all‑star showcase.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.