The NFC has once again demonstrated its dominance in the flag football era of the Pro Bowl Games, securing a 76-63 overall victory against the AFC in the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games. With a thrilling 56-50 win in Sunday’s flag football matchup, the NFC completed its third consecutive Pro Bowl Games triumph, continuing its reign since the NFL adopted the non-contact format in 2023.
The Detroit Lions Jared Goff set the tone early for the NFC offense, earning Offensive MVP honors with an efficient performance. Goff completed 10 of 11 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns, leading his squad to an early lead. His pinpoint accuracy and poise in the pocket made a statement as he commanded the NFC offense.
On the defensive side, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. made a game-changing play, intercepting New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye and returning it eight yards for a touchdown. The pick-six helped the NFC maintain its momentum, and Murphy Jr. was named Defensive MVP for his efforts in his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Since the NFL transitioned the Pro Bowl to a flag football format in 2023, the NFC has yet to lose, showing a clear advantage in adapting to the new style of play. The shift from full-contact football to flag football has reinvigorated the event, allowing players to compete without the fear of injuries while keeping the intensity high.
The stakes were also raised with significant financial incentives. Each player on the NFC’s winning squad took home $92,000, while AFC players received $46,000. Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson acknowledged the motivation behind the victory:
“We were trying to win,” Robinson said. “They told us what the prize was, and I was like, We might need to do a little bit more.” “So, that’s s what we did.”
After years of dwindling enthusiasm for the traditional tackle football Pro Bowl, the transition to flag football and skill-based competitions has revitalized the event. Many players have embraced the change, including Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, who has played under both formats.
”I like this more just because it gives the fans a chance to see our faces and just kind of see who we are off the field,” Baker said. “And we compete, but we keep it very civil.”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold echoed similar sentiments, stating: “I think [flag] is really fun, especially after the season when guys have been kind of chilling for three weeks. It’s good to just ease into a game of flag football.”
The NFC’s victory wasn’t t limited to the flag football game, they also shined in Sunday’s skills competitions, a continuation of Thursday’s events. The NFC won the relay race and tug of war competitions, while the AFC claimed victory in the punt perfect event.
With another successful Pro Bowl Games in the books, the NFL appears to have found a sustainable and entertaining format. The flag football style has injected new energy into the game, and both players and fans seem to be on board.
Meanwhile, the NFL will now shift their focus to the Super Bowl as the Chiefs look to three-peat, but for this week, the NFC can celebrate a three-peat of its own as the 2025 Pro Bowl Games champions.