NFL eliminating Pro Bowl Games, but will still name Pro Bowlers - ESPN

The NFL is eliminating the Pro Bowl Games, instead shifting the focus to celebrating the honor of being a Pro Bowl selection.

Beginning with the 2026 season, 88 players will be named to the Pro Bowl class in late December, with no replacement selections.

«It's OK to be the first league to walk away from a competitive all-star game,» NFL executive vice president Peter O'Reilly said.

While no AFC vs. NFC game will be held, players selected as Pro Bowlers will be invited to attend an in-person celebration in Los Angeles during the traditional weekend the Pro Bowl Games was held.

«This direction came directly from our continued conversations with players and what they value most about the Pro Bowl,» NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said in a statement. «Being selected by your peers, coaches and fans as one of the very best at your position carries tremendous meaning. We heard clearly that the distinction matters, and our focus is on making the recognition that comes with it worthy of what these players accomplished on the field.»

Vincent added that he heard from players that they «don't want competitive play» after the playoffs.

«You come off the championship games and the viewers see the physicality of the game and you try to replicate that,» he said. «Frankly, it just doesn't sit well. This isn't a good representation.»

The NFL has played a traditional Pro Bowl game in some fashion since 1938 — excluding in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic — replacing the traditional tackle football game with the reimagined Pro Bowl Games, featuring dodgeball, throwing competitions and skills challenges and culminating in a flag football game in 2023.

Information from The Associated Press was used in