Furious NFL fans were left stunned by just how underwhelming this year’s Pro Bowl was, with some viewers demanding it be scrapped entirely.
The Pro Bowl is the annual celebration of the best players from the NFL season who are not playing in the Super Bowl.
There have been a number of format changes in recent years but this year pitted the NFC and AFC stars against each other in a competitive flag football game.
With Jason Kelce on the microphone for ESPN and some of the biggest names in the NFL on the field, the stage was set for an entertaining night in San Francisco.
But a huge number of NFL fans quickly took to social media to dish out their scathing reviews.
One commented: ‘This is the first time I’ve watched the Pro Bowl in years and it took me five seconds to turn it off’.
The NFC may have won the Pro Bowl on Tuesday night but NFL fans were left unimpressed
Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton reaches for the end zone in what was a high-scoring game
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was one of the starting quarterbacks for the NFC
Another posted: ‘This NFL Pro Bowl stuff feels like a high school event. Not sure how these players don’t feel absolutely embarrassed by it all.’
A third wrote: ‘Can someone explain to me. Why has the Pro Bowl become a flag football game. None of these players are in the Super Bowl on Sunday. Injuries could happen during the off-season.’
‘Turn the Pro Bowl on for the first time in years and its flag football?? Indoors.. barely any fans… what am I watching?’ another asked.
‘The Pro Bowl fall off is insane. They got them playing in a training facility on a Tuesday,’ one viewer pointed out.
Another quipped: ‘The NFL Pro Bowl is unwatchable. They need to get rid of it.’
‘No skills challenge and you’re already playing flag football. Just cancel the Pro Bowl,’ another demanded.
The high-scoring event was played indoors this year at the Moscone Center – a convention center near downtown San Francisco – before a crowd of 3,100.
It was the first time the Pro Bowl was held during Super Bowl week, and the host city was well represented, with 49ers greats Jerry Rice and Steve Young – who have a combined 20 Pro Bowl selections – serving as head coaches.
Ja’Marr Chase reaches for the end zone after also showing off his defensive capabilities
Cheerleaders performed before a crowd of 3,100 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco
Fans were unimpressed by the flag football set up, as well as the levels of competitiveness
Broncos tackle Garrett Bolles got in on the fun, catching a Shedeur Sanders touchdown throw
Cowboys star George Pickens continued his excellent season with the offensive MVP award
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts three touchdown passes in the NFC´s 66-52 win over the AFC. Dak Prescott of the Cowboys wore a bucket hat and passed for four touchdowns, while the Lions’ Jared Goff threw two TD passes.
For the AFC, the Bengals’ Joe Burrow threw for a touchdown and was credited with a passing and receiving score on the same play when he and Dolphins running back De’Von Achane pulled off a trick play in the first half.
It was a good day all around for Burrow and his Bengals teammates.
Cincinnati wide receiver Tee Higgins caught touchdown pass from Burrow’s backup, Joe Flacco, while receiver Ja’Marr Chase had a highlight on defense – a one-handed interception of Goff that he returned 50 yards for a touchdown.
Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders started for the AFC and threw for 152 yards and two touchdowns. He was a controversial late addition to the event as the replacement for Drake Maye, who’s preparing to lead the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Broncos tackle Garrett Bolles got in on the fun, catching one of Sanders’ touchdown throws.