If you’re staring at your TV remote wondering is the Pro Bowl on today, the answer depends entirely on which part of the "Games" you’re looking for. It isn't just one game anymore. The NFL killed the traditional padded football game years ago because, let’s be honest, nobody was actually tackling anyone. It was a glorified walkthrough in jerseys. Now, we have a multi-day skills competition and flag football extravaganza.
Today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, the league is finalizing the rosters and the logistics for the upcoming events in Orlando. You won't see a live broadcast of the Pro Bowl Games this afternoon. The NFL has carved out a very specific window for this. If you were hoping to see Patrick Mahomes or Caleb Williams throwing accuracy passes right this second, you’re a few weeks early. The Pro Bowl Games are traditionally held the weekend before the Super Bowl. For the 2025-2026 season, that puts the bulk of the action on the weekend of February 1, 2026.
It's a weird time for football fans. We're in that gut-wrenching gap between the Divisional Round and the Conference Championships, but the Pro Bowl stays tucked away until the very end of the cycle.
Why people keep asking is the Pro Bowl on today
The confusion usually stems from the NFL’s shifting schedule. Back in the day, the Pro Bowl was played the week after the Super Bowl. It was a post-season vacation in Hawaii. Players hated it because they were either checked out or nursing injuries. Then the NFL moved it to the "bye week" before the Super Bowl to drum up more hype.
Nowadays, the "Pro Bowl Games" consist of two main televised windows. Usually, there is a skills competition on a Thursday night followed by the main flag football event on Sunday afternoon. If you’re checking your guide today, you’ll likely see replays of the Wild Card round or talking heads debating the MVP race.
Check your calendar for early February. That’s when the real madness starts.
The format change that actually saved the event
We have to talk about how bad it used to be. Do you remember 2022? It was painful. Players were literally standing still during plays to avoid injury. You can’t blame them. Why risk a career-ending ACL tear for an exhibition game?
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The NFL finally listened to the fans and the players. They pivoted to a format that highlights what these guys are actually good at—freakish athleticism and personality. The Pro Bowl Games now include:
- Precision Passing: Where QBs try to hit targets on a golf-course-style setup.
- Gridiron Gauntlet: A relay race that involves climbing walls and pushing sleds.
- Best Catch: Basically the NFL’s version of the NBA Dunk Contest.
- Dodgeball: Honestly, this is the part everyone actually watches. Seeing a 300-pound lineman try to duck a ball thrown by a star receiver is peak television.
It's more like a summer camp for millionaires. And the fans love it way more than the fake football we were getting before.
Who is actually playing this year?
Roster announcements usually drop in early January, and the 2026 lists are already generating some heat. Since the Super Bowl participants are barred from playing (to avoid injury and focus on the ring), the rosters are always in flux.
If the Lions or the Texans make it to the big game, don't expect to see their stars in Orlando. This creates a "next man up" system where the alternates get their time to shine. It’s a huge deal for a young player’s contract incentives. Getting that "Pro Bowler" tag can mean a several-million-dollar difference in future negotiations.
Peyton and Eli Manning are expected to return as coaches. Their sibling rivalry has become the backbone of the broadcast. It’s scripted, sure, but their genuine annoyance with each other makes for great TV.
Where to watch when the day finally comes
When the games actually go live in February, you'll find them across the Disney family of networks.
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- ESPN and ABC carry the main Sunday flag football event.
- Disney+ and ESPN+ usually have the secondary streams or "Manning-cast" style commentary.
- NFL+ is the catch-all for the niche skills competitions that don't make the main broadcast.
It’s a massive logistical undertaking. Camping World Stadium in Orlando has become the unofficial home for this, mostly because the weather is reliable and the proximity to Disney World makes it a family-friendly trip for the players.
The controversy of the "Pro Bowl" label
There’s a segment of the fanbase that thinks the Pro Bowl should just be an All-Pro team announcement with no physical event. They argue that the "Pro Bowl Games" dilute the prestige. I disagree.
Sports are supposed to be fun. Seeing these guys with their helmets off, laughing, and playing dodgeball reminds us that they’re actually human beings. Plus, the flag football game at the end is surprisingly competitive. When you put the best athletes in the world on a field together, their natural ego takes over. They don't want to lose, even if it's just flag football.
Last year’s finish was actually a nail-biter. People forget that these guys are competitive to a fault.
Why the ratings stay high despite the haters
You’d think a non-contact event would flop. Nope. The Pro Bowl Games consistently outdraw playoff games in other major sports. It’s a testament to the NFL’s marketing machine. They’ve turned a weekend of "nothing" into a "must-see" event for families.
Part of the draw is the social media integration. The league encourages players to live-tweet or post from the sidelines. You get a level of access you never get during the regular season. No Bill Belichick-style media blackouts here. It’s all mics and cameras.
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How to prepare for the 2026 Pro Bowl weekend
If you're planning a viewing party, keep it casual. This isn't the Super Bowl. You don't need a 10-layer dip and a quiet room. It's background noise. It's the kind of thing you have on while you're doing chores or hanging out with friends.
Practical steps for fans:
- Verify the dates: Double-check the NFL app. For 2026, the primary events are scheduled for February 1st.
- Check the alternates: Since many starters will "opt-out" with "injuries" (which is usually code for "I'd rather be in Cabo"), keep an eye on the replacement list. It’s a great way to see which rising stars are getting recognized.
- Look for the skills schedule: The skills competitions often air on a delay or on a different night than the flag football game.
- Set your DVR: If you’re a die-hard, record the skills challenges. They often move fast and you might miss the best moments if you blink.
The reality is that is the Pro Bowl on today will be a popular search for the next three weeks. The NFL season is long, and the schedule is packed, so it’s easy to lose track. Just remember: if the Super Bowl hasn't happened yet, and it's not the first Sunday in February, you're likely just looking at a regular Thursday in January.
Enjoy the lead-up to the Conference Championships this weekend. That’s where the real high-stakes football is happening. The Pro Bowl is the dessert—sweet, a little messy, and totally optional, but fun if you have the appetite for it.
Actionable Next Steps
- Confirm your streaming login: Ensure your ESPN+ or cable provider login is active before the February 1st kickoff to avoid last-minute technical hurdles.
- Follow NFL Socials: Turn on notifications for the NFL's official X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram accounts. They post the skills challenge winners in real-time, which is often faster than the broadcast updates.
- Monitor the injury report: Keep an eye on the "Pro Bowl injury" list. If your favorite player was voted in but his team just got knocked out of the playoffs, there's a 50/50 chance he'll decline the invitation to rest.
- Download the NFL OnePass app: If you actually happen to be in Orlando, this app is required to participate in any of the fan-facing events at the stadium or around the city.
The Pro Bowl has evolved into a celebration of the league's culture rather than a test of its physicality. Understanding that shift is key to actually enjoying what the event has become in 2026. Stay tuned for the official timing announcements as we get closer to February.