NFL ends 75-year Pro Bowl tradition, folds honours into Super Bowl week
The league has scrapped the standalone all-star game, a move described as inevitable after years of format changes, while Patrick Mahomes sits out the preseason finale to recover from knee surgery.
The National Football League has officially concluded the standalone Pro Bowl after 75 years, a structural shift that ends a tradition dating back to the first All-Star Game played in Los Angeles in 1939. League executives presented the proposal to team owners on Wednesday, folding the festivities directly into Super Bowl week. The decision follows decades of format tweaks, including a transition from a physical contest to a non-competitive flag football game that drew sustained scepticism from fans and players regarding the event’s relevance.
Under the new framework, 88 players are expected to receive Pro Bowl honours without alternates. Although the traditional game will no longer be played, the recognition remains significant for player contracts, as Pro Bowl selection continues to impact potential incentives throughout the offseason. The shift marks the end of an era for the league’s mid-season showcase, which previously moved from Hawaii to various annual locations before its recent decline in competitive integrity.
In Kansas City, quarterback Patrick Mahomes will sit out the Chiefs’ preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks on Friday. This marks the first time in his career that Mahomes has missed an entire preseason, as he recovers from knee surgery performed in December. Despite the absence, the quarterback remains on track to start Week 1 against the Denver Broncos on 14 September. Mahomes stated that he is adhering to the timeline provided by medical staff, treating the current week with the same intensity as a game week to maximise his preparation.
With backup Justin Fields unlikely to play and Chris Oladokun in concussion protocol, rookie seventh-round pick Garrett Nussmeier is expected to handle the bulk of the playing time for the Chiefs. Head coach Andy Reid noted that Nussmeier has performed well, having been thrown into the fire with the first group. The development provides a crucial look at the depth of the Chiefs’ quarterback room ahead of the regular season opener.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens are navigating the aftermath of a disastrous 2025 season that led to the departure of head coach John Harbaugh. The change in leadership sent shockwaves through the organisation, directly impacting two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson has discussed how his injuries last season reshaped the Ravens’ offensive approach, noting that his health issues forced the team to adjust its play-calling beyond just the time he missed on the field.
In Atlanta, the Falcons are nearing a decision on their starting quarterback as the competition intensifies. Additionally, New York Giants camp saw a heated practice altercation started by running back Cam Skattebo, adding to the mix of personnel and performance issues being addressed during the final week of the preseason.
