The NFL has changed the format of the Pro Bowl after years of growing apathy among players and fans. After much debate over how to improve the annual exhibition, the league announced in September that it was changing the Pro Bowl format. The traditional tackle football game has been replaced by a series of skills competitions and has been rebranded as the Pro Bowl Games.
The competitions will take place at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, on Thursday and Sunday. There will be points at stake in each event to determine the overall winner between the AFC and NFC.
There are numerous skill categories in which players will compete, with a cumulative score leading up to the flag football games. Each conference that wins a skills competition will have three points added to the team's overall score. There are a total of 24 points available.
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The skills showdown will feature nine separate competitions.
Epic Pro Bowl Dodgeball
Lightning round
Longest drive
Precision passing
Best catch
Gridiron gauntlet
Best catch
Kick tac toe
Move the chains
Pro Bowl dodgeball event
This will be a three-match classic dodgeball tournament with four teams of five players each. It will begin with the AFC and NFC offenses and defenses competing against each other, culminating in an AFC vs. NFC final round. The AFC champions will face the NFC champions in the championship game. The winner receives three points for their conference.
How to watch
Date: Thursday, Feb. 2
Times: Thursday (7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. ET)
Location: Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center and Allegiant Stadium
TV Channel: ESPN | Streaming: fuboTV (try for free)
The Pro Bowl Skills Showdown will begin with Dodgeball. It will begin at approximately 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 2 from Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. The action will resume on Sunday afternoon with a seven-on-seven scrimmage game.
Who will be the Pro Bowl coaches in 2023?
AFC coaches:
Head coach – Peyton Manning
Defensive coordinator – Ray Lewis
Offensive coordinator – Diana Flores
NFC coaches:
Head coach – Eli Manning
Defensive coordinator – Demarcus Ware
Offensive coordinator – Vanita Krouch
How are the players for the Pro Bowl Games chosen?
As in the previous versions, players, coaches and fans voted to determine the Pro Bowl rosters. The NFL and the players' union came to an agreement this year that players who are elected to the Pro Bowl Games must compete, barring an injury. Since the 2020 CBA went into force, participation in the Pro Bowl has been entirely optional.
What prizes are given to the Pro Bowl Games champions?
The Pro Bowl winner receives the same amount of money as when it was a standalone game: Each member of this year's winning team receives $84,000, while each member of the losing team receives $42,000. To qualify for that compensation, players must take part in a gameday activity, complete at least one skill challenge, participate in media availability and complete a two-hour community service project.