Pro Bowl - Wikipedia Pro Bowl Pro Bowl The current logo for the NFL Pro Bowl. First played 1951 Recent and upcoming games 2017 season January 28, 2018 ( Details ) 2018 season January 27, 2019 ( Details ) The NFL Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player trophy. The Pro Bowl is the all - star game of the National Football League ( NFL ). From the merger with the rival American Football League ( AFL ) in 1970 up through 2013 and since 2017, it is officially called the AFC -- NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference ( AFC ) against those in the National Football Conference ( NFC ). From 2014 through 2016, the NFL experimented with an unconferenced format, where the teams were selected by two honorary team captains ( who are each in the Hall of Fame ), instead of selecting players from each conference. The players were picked in a televised `` schoolyard pick '' prior to the game. Unlike most major sports leagues, which hold their all - star games roughly midway through their regular seasons, the Pro Bowl is played around the end of the NFL season. Between 1970 and 2009, it was usually held the weekend after the Super Bowl. Since 2010, the Pro Bowl has been played the weekend before the Super Bowl. Players from the two teams competing in the Super Bowl do not participate. Observers and commentators expressed their disfavor with the Pro Bowl in its current state. It draws lower TV ratings than its regular - season games, although the game draws similar ratings to other major all - star games, such as the Major League Baseball All - Star Game. However, the biggest concern of teams is to avoid injuries to the star players. The Associated Press wrote that players in the 2012 game were `` hitting each other as though they were having a pillow fight ''. Between 1980 and 2016, the game was played at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii, save for two years. On June 1, 2016, the NFL announced that they reached a multi-year deal to move the game to Orlando, Florida as part of the league 's ongoing efforts to make the game more relevant. For years, the game has suffered from lack of interest due to perceived low quality. The 2017 Pro Bowl marked a return to the AFC -- NFC format. Contents 1 History of the Pro Bowl 2 Player selection 3 Coaching staff 4 Game honors 5 Rule differences 6 Pro Bowl uniforms 7 Game results 7.1 NFL All - Star Games ( 1938 -- 1942 ) 7.2 NFL Pro Bowls ( 1950 -- 1969 ) 7.3 AFC -- NFC Pro Bowls ( 1970 -- 2012 ) 7.4 Unconferenced Pro Bowls ( 2013 -- 2015 ) 7.5 AFC -- NFC Pro Bowls ( 2016 -- present ) 8 Stadiums that have hosted the Pro Bowl 9 Records 9.1 Players with most appearances 10 Television 10.1 Most watched Pro Bowls 10.2 Blackout policy 11 Criticism 11.1 Quality 11.2 Selection process 12 See also 13 References 14 External links History of the Pro Bowl The first `` Pro All - Star Game '', featuring the all - stars of the 1938 season ( as well as three players from the Los Angeles Bulldogs and Hollywood Bears, who were not members of the league ), was played on January 15, 1939 at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles. The NFL All - Star Game was played again in Los Angeles in 1940 and then in New York and Philadelphia in 1941 and 1942 respectively. Although originally planned as an annual contest, the all - star game was discontinued after 1942 because of travel restrictions put in place during World War II. During the first five all - star games, an all - star team would face that year 's league champion. The league champion won the first four games before the all - stars were victorious in the final game of this early series. The concept of an all - star game was not revived until June 1950, when the newly christened `` Pro Bowl '' was approved. The game was sponsored by the Los Angeles Publishers Association. It was decided that the game would feature all - star teams from each of the league 's two conferences rather than the league champion versus all - star format which had been used previously. This was done to avoid confusion with the Chicago College All - Star Game, an annual game which featured the league champion against a collegiate all - star team. The teams would be led by the coach of each of the conference champions. Immediately prior to the Pro Bowl, following the 1949 season, the All - America Football Conference, which contributed three teams to the NFL in a partial merger in 1950, held its own all - star game, the Shamrock Bowl. The first 21 games of the series ( 1951 -- 1972 ) were played in Los Angeles. The site of the game was changed annually for each of the next seven years before the game was moved to Aloha Stadium in Halawa, Hawaii for 30 straight seasons from 1980 through 2009. The 2010 Pro Bowl was played at Sun Life Stadium, the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins and host site of Super Bowl XLIV, on January 31, the first time ever that the Pro Bowl was held before the championship game ( a decision probably due to increasingly low Nielsen ratings from being regarded as an anti-climax to the Super Bowl ). With the new rule being that the conference teams do not include players from the teams that will be playing in the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl then returned to Hawaii in 2011 but was again held during the week before the Super Bowl, where it remained for three more years. The 2012 game was met with criticism from fans and sports writers for the lack of quality play by the players ( see below ). On October 24, 2012, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had second thoughts about the Pro Bowl, telling a Sirius XM show that if the players did not play more competitively ( in the 2013 Pro Bowl ), he was `` not inclined to play it anymore ''. During the ensuing off - season, the NFL Players Association lobbied to keep the Pro Bowl, and negotiated several rule changes to be implemented for the 2014 game. Among them, the teams will no longer be AFC vs. NFC, and instead be selected by captains in a fantasy draft. For the 2014 game, Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders were chosen as alumni captains, while their captains were Drew Brees and Robert Quinn ( Rice ), along with Jamaal Charles and J.J. Watt ( Sanders ). On April 9, 2014, the NFL announced that the 2015 Pro Bowl would be played the week before the Super Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on January 25, 2015. The game returned to Hawaii in 2016, and the `` unconferenced '' format was its last. For 2017, the league considered hosting the game at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which if approved will be the first time the game has been hosted outside the United States. The NFL is also considering future Pro Bowls in Mexico and Germany. The NFL hopes that by leveraging international markets with the star power of Pro Bowls, international popularity and viewership will increase. A report released May 19, 2016, indicated that the 2017 Pro Bowl would instead be hosted at a newly renovated Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida ; Orlando beat out Brazil ( which apparently did not make the final round of voting ), Honolulu, Super Bowl host site Houston, and a bid from Sydney, Australia for the hosting rights. On June 1, 2016, the league announced that it was restoring the old conference format. Player selection Tackle during the 2006 Pro Bowl in Hawaii Currently, players are voted into the Pro Bowl by the coaches, the players themselves, and the fans. Each group 's ballots count for one third of the votes. The fans vote online at the NFL 's official website. There are also replacements that go to the game should any selected player be unable to play due to injuries. Prior to 1995, only the coaches and the players made Pro Bowl selections. In order to be considered a Pro Bowler for a given year, a player must either have been one of the initial players selected to the team, or a player who accepts an invitation to the Pro Bowl as an alternate ; invited alternates who decline to attend are not considered Pro Bowlers. Players whose teams advanced to the Super Bowl do not play in the Pro Bowl, and they are replaced by alternate players. From 2014 to 2016, players did not play according to conference ; instead, were placed in a draft pool and chosen by team captains. Since 2017, players per conference are placed into separate draft pools and chosen by their team captains. Coaching staff When the Pro Bowl was held after the Super Bowl, the head coaches were traditionally the head coaches of the teams that lost in the AFC and NFC championship games for the same season of the Pro Bowl in question. From 1978 through 1982, the head coaches of the highest ranked divisional champion that lost in the Divisional Playoff Round were chosen. For the 1983 Pro Bowl, the NFL resumed selecting the losing head coaches in the conference championship games. In the 1999 Pro Bowl, New York Jets head coach Bill Parcells, after his team lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game, had to decline due to health reasons and Jets assistant head coach Bill Belichick took his place. When the Pro Bowl was moved to the weekend between the Conference Championship games and the Super Bowl in 2009, the team that lost in the Divisional Playoff Round with the best regular - season record would have their coaching staffs lead their respective conference Pro Bowl team returning to the format used from 1978 -- 1982. It remained that way through 2013 ; it resumed in 2017. If the losing teams of each conference had the same regular season record the coaches from the higher - seeded team will get the Pro Bowl honor. From 2014 to 2016, the Pro Bowl coaches came from the two teams with the best records that lost in the Divisional Playoffs. ( In the 2015 Pro Bowl, when John Fox left his coaching job with Denver after his playoff loss to Indianapolis that year, John Harbaugh of Baltimore took over. The next year saw Green Bay 's assistant coach Winston Moss took over as Mike McCarthy resigned from coaching due to illness. ) Game honors Kyle Rudolph with the Pro Bowl MVP trophy in 2013. A Player of the Game was honored 1951 -- 1956. 1957 -- 1971, awards were presented to both an Outstanding Back and an Outstanding Lineman. In 1972 and since 2014, there are awards for both an Outstanding Offensive Player and an Outstanding Defensive Player. 1973 -- 2007, only one Player of the Game award was honored ( though thrice this award has been presented to multiple players in a single game ). In 2008 the award was changed to Most Valuable Player ( MVP ). Players are paid for participating in the game with the winning team receiving a larger payout. The chart below shows how much the players of their respective teams earn : Years Winners Losers 2011 / 2013 $50,000 $25,000 2012 $65,000 $40,000 2014 $53,000 $26,000 2015 / 2016 $55,000 $28,000 2017 $61,000 $30,000 2018 $64,000 $32,000 Rule differences The Pro Bowl has different rules from other NFL games to make the game safer. No motion or shifting by the offense Offense must have a running back and tight end in all formations Offense may have 1 or 2 receivers on the same side Intentional grounding is legal Defense must run a 4 -- 3 at all times, though the Cover 2 and press coverage is allowed No blitz ; DEs and tackles can rush on passing plays, provided they are on same side of ball No blindside or below the waist blocks Can not rush punts, PATs or FG attempts Coin toss determines who receives first ; loser receives to start 3rd period Kickoffs are eliminated ( including free kicks ) Teams will start on their own 25 - yard line after any score or at the start of each half / odd overtime 38 - second play clock to run plays Deep middle safety must be aligned within hash marks Replay reviews are allowed 44 - player roster per team In case of a tie after regulation, multiple 15 - minute OT periods will be played ( with each team receiving two time outs per period ), and in the first overtime teams receive one possession to score unless one of them scores a touchdown / safety on its first possession. True sudden death rules apply thereafter if both teams have had their initial possession and the game remains tied. The Pro Bowl is not allowed to end in a tie, unlike preseason and regular season games. ( In general, beyond the 1st overtime, whoever scores first wins. The first overtime starts as if the game had started over, like the NFL Playoffs. ) Pro Bowl uniforms Quarterback Peyton Manning ( # 18 ) before the 2006 Pro Bowl. The teams are made of players from different NFL teams, so using their own uniforms would be too confusing. The players each wear the helmet of their team, but the home jerseys and pants are either a solid blue for the NFC or solid red for the AFC, with white jerseys with blue or red accents, respectively, for the away team. While it had been speculated that the color of Pro Bowl jerseys was determined by the winner of the Super Bowl -- as it had been played post-Super Bowl for many years -- this is untrue. The design of Pro Bowl uniforms is changed every two years, and the color and white jerseys are rotated along with the design change. This has been Pro Bowl tradition since the switch to team specific helmets, which started with the January 1979 game. The two - year switch was originally created as a marketing ploy by Nike, and was continued by Reebok, which won the merchandising contract in 2002. Nike subsequently won the contract back in 2011. The early Pro Bowl, contested by the National Football League 's Eastern and Western Division stars and played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, featured the same uniforms from the 1950s to mid-1960s ; the Eastern team wore scarlet jerseys with white numerals and a white crescent shoulder stripe, white pants with red stripe, red socks, and a plain red helmet. The Western team wore white jerseys with royal - blue numerals and a Northwestern University - style Ukon triple stripe on the sleeves, white pants with blue stripe and socks and a plain blue helmet. Perhaps oddly, the Eastern team wore home dark jerseys, although the host city team, the Los Angeles Rams, were members of the Western Conference. From January 1967 to January 1970 both teams wore gold helmets with the NFL logo on the sides ; the Eastern helmets featured a red - white - red tri-stripe and the Western a similar blue - white - blue tri-stripe. In fact, the players brought their own game helmets to Los Angeles, which were then spray - painted and decorated for the contest. For the 1970 game the helmets featured the ' 50 NFL ' logo, commemorating the league 's half - century anniversary. In the earliest years of the AFC -- NFC Pro Bowl, the players did not wear their unique helmets, as they do now. The AFC All - Stars wore a solid red helmet with a white A on it, while the NFC players wore a solid white helmet with a blue N on it. The AFC 's red helmets were paired with white jerseys and red pants, while the NFC 's white helmets were paired with blue jerseys and white pants. Two players with the same number who are elected to the Pro Bowl can now wear the same number for that game. This was not always the case in the past. The 2008 Pro Bowl included a unique example of several players from the same team wearing the same number in a Pro Bowl. For the game, Washington Redskins players T Chris Samuels, TE Chris Cooley, and LS Ethan Albright all wore the number 21 ( a number normally inappropriate for their positions ) in memory of their teammate Sean Taylor, who had been murdered during the 2007 season. On October 7, 2013, Nike unveiled the uniforms for the 2014 Pro Bowl, which revealed that the red, white and blue colors that the game uniforms bore throughout its entire history will no longer be used for this game. As the NFC -- AFC format was not used between 2014 through 2016, team 1 sported a white uniform with bright orange and team 2 sported a gray uniform with volt green. The new uniforms received mixed reviews from fans and sports columnists alike, one even mentioning that the game would look like an `` Oregon vs. Oklahoma State '' game. Since 2017, when the conference format was restored, the league takes an approach similar to the NFL Color Rush initiative, in which jerseys, pants, and socks were all a uniform colour ( red for the AFC, blue for the NFC ). Game results NFL All - Star Games ( 1938 -- 1942 ) No Most Valuable Player awards were presented during these games Season Date Score Venue Attendance Head coaches 1938 January 15, 1939 New York Giants 13, NFL All - Stars 10 Wrigley Field 15,000 AS : Ray Flaherty ( Washington ) and Gus Henderson ( Detroit ) NY : Steve Owen 1939 January 14, 1940 Green Bay Packers 16, NFL All - Stars 7 Gilmore Stadium 18,000 AS : Steve Owen ( New York ) GB : Curly Lambeau 1940 December 29, 1940 Chicago Bears 28, NFL All - Stars 14 Gilmore Stadium 21,624 AS : Ray Flaherty ( Washington ) CB : George Halas 1941 January 4, 1942 Chicago Bears 35, NFL All - Stars 24 Polo Grounds 17,725 AS : Steve Owen ( New York ) CB : George Halas 1942 December 27, 1942 NFL All - Stars 17, Washington Redskins 14 Shibe Park 18,671 AS : Hunk Anderson ( Chicago Bears ) Wash : Ray Flaherty 1943 -- 1950 -- No games NFL Pro Bowls ( 1950 -- 1969 ) Season Date Score Series Most Valuable Players Venue Attendance Head coaches Network 1950 January 14, 1951 American Conference 28, National Conference 27 AC, 1 -- 0 Otto Graham, Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 53,676 AC : Paul Brown, Cleveland NC : Joe Stydahar, Los Angeles 1951 January 12, 1952 National Conference 30, American Conference 13 Tied, 1 -- 1 Dan Towler, Los Angeles Rams, Running back Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 19,400 AC : Paul Brown, Cleveland NC : Joe Stydahar, Los Angeles NBC 1952 January 10, 1953 National Conference 27, American Conference 7 NC, 2 -- 1 Don Doll, Detroit Lions, Defensive back Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 34,208 AC : Paul Brown, Cleveland NC : Buddy Parker, Detroit NBC 1953 January 17, 1954 East 20, West 9 Tied, 2 -- 2 Chuck Bednarik, Philadelphia Eagles, Linebacker Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 44,214 EC : Paul Brown, Cleveland WC : Buddy Parker, Detroit DuMont 1954 January 16, 1955 West 26, East 19 West, 3 -- 2 Billy Wilson, San Francisco 49ers, End Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 43,972 EC : Jim Trimble, Philadelphia WC : Buck Shaw, San Francisco 1955 January 15, 1956 East 31, West 30 Tied, 3 -- 3 Ollie Matson, Chicago Cardinals, Running back Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 37,867 EC : Joe Kuharich, Washington WC : Sid Gillman, Los Angeles 1956 January 13, 1957 West 19, East 10 West, 4 -- 3 Back : Bert Rechichar, Baltimore Colts Lineman : Ernie Stautner, Pittsburgh Steelers Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 44,177 EC : Jim Lee Howell, New York WC : Paddy Driscoll, Chicago Bears 1957 January 12, 1958 West 26, East 7 West, 5 -- 3 Back : Hugh McElhenny, San Francisco 49ers Lineman : Gene Brito, Washington Redskins Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 66,634 EC : Buddy Parker, Pittsburgh WC : George Wilson, Detroit NBC 1958 January 11, 1959 East 28, West 21 West, 5 -- 4 Back : Frank Gifford, New York Giants Lineman : Doug Atkins, Chicago Bears Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 72,250 EC : Jim Lee Howell, New York WC : Weeb Ewbank, Baltimore NBC 1959 January 17, 1960 West 38, East 21 West, 6 -- 4 Back : Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts Lineman : Eugene `` Big Daddy '' Lipscomb, Pittsburgh Steelers Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 56,876 EC : Buck Shaw, Philadelphia WC : Red Hickey, San Francisco NBC 1960 January 15, 1961 West 35, East 31 West, 7 -- 4 Back : Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts Lineman : Sam Huff, New York Giants Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 62,971 EC : Buck Shaw, Philadelphia WC : Vince Lombardi, Green Bay NBC 1961 January 14, 1962 West 31, East 30 West, 8 -- 4 Back : Jim Brown, Cleveland Browns Lineman : Henry Jordan, Green Bay Packers Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 57,409 EC : Allie Sherman, New York WC : Norm Van Brocklin, Minnesota NBC 1962 January 13, 1963 East 30, West 20 West, 8 -- 5 Back : Jim Brown, Cleveland Browns Lineman : Eugene Lipscomb, Pittsburgh Steelers Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 61,374 EC : Allie Sherman, New York WC : Vince Lombardi, Green Bay NBC 1963 January 12, 1964 West 31, East 17 West, 9 -- 5 Back : Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts Lineman : Gino Marchetti, Baltimore Colts Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 67,242 EC : Allie Sherman, New York WC : George Halas, Chicago NBC 1964 January 10, 1965 West 34, East 14 West, 10 -- 5 Back : Fran Tarkenton, Minnesota Vikings Lineman : Terry Barr, Detroit Lions Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 60,598 EC : Blanton Collier, Cleveland WC : Don Shula, Baltimore NBC 1965 January 15, 1966 East 36, West 7 West, 10 -- 6 Back : Jim Brown, Cleveland Browns Lineman : Dale Meinert, St. Louis Cardinals Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 60,124 EC : Blanton Collier, Cleveland WC : Vince Lombardi, Green Bay CBS 1966 January 22, 1967 East 20, West 10 West, 10 -- 7 Back : Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears Lineman : Floyd Peters, Philadelphia Eagles Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 15,062 EC : Tom Landry, Dallas WC : George Allen, Los Angeles CBS 1967 January 21, 1968 West 38, East 20 West, 11 -- 7 Back : Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears Lineman : Dave Robinson, Green Bay Packers Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 53,289 EC : Otto Graham, Washington WC : Don Shula, Baltimore CBS 1968 January 19, 1969 West 10, East 7 West, 12 -- 7 Back : Roman Gabriel, Los Angeles Rams Lineman : Merlin Olsen, Los Angeles Rams Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 32,050 EC : Tom Landry, Dallas WC : George Allen, Los Angeles CBS 1969 January 18, 1970 West 16, East 13 West, 13 -- 7 Back : Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears Lineman : George Andrie, Dallas Cowboys Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 57,786 EC : Tom Fears, New Orleans WC : Norm Van Brocklin, Atlanta CBS AFC -- NFC Pro Bowls ( 1970 -- 2012 ) Season Date Score Series Most Valuable Player ( s ) Venue Attendance Head coaches Network 1970 January 24, 1971 NFC, 27 -- 6 NFC, 1 -- 0 Lineman : Fred Carr, Packers Back : Mel Renfro, Cowboys Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 48,222 AFC : John Madden, Oakland NFC : Dick Nolan, San Francisco CBS 1971 January 23, 1972 AFC, 26 -- 13 Tied, 1 -- 1 Defense : Willie Lanier, Chiefs Offense : Jan Stenerud, Chiefs Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 53,647 AFC : Don McCafferty, Baltimore NFC : Dick Nolan, San Francisco NBC 1972 January 21, 1973 AFC, 33 -- 28 AFC, 2 -- 1 O.J. Simpson, Bills, Running back Texas Stadium 37,091 AFC : Chuck Noll, Pittsburgh NFC : Tom Landry, Dallas CBS 1973 January 20, 1974 AFC, 15 -- 13 AFC, 3 -- 1 Garo Yepremian, Dolphins, Placekicker Arrowhead Stadium 66,918 AFC : John Madden, Oakland NFC : Tom Landry, Dallas NBC January 20, 1975 NFC, 17 -- 10 AFC, 3 -- 2 James Harris, Rams, Quarterback Miami Orange Bowl 26,484 AFC : John Madden, Oakland NFC : Chuck Knox, Los Angeles ABC January 26, 1976 NFC, 23 -- 20 Tied, 3 -- 3 Billy Johnson, Oilers, Kick returner Louisiana Superdome 30,546 AFC : John Madden, Oakland NFC : Chuck Knox, Los Angeles ABC 1976 January 17, 1977 AFC, 24 -- 14 AFC, 4 -- 3 Mel Blount, Steelers, Cornerback The Kingdome 64,752 AFC : Chuck Noll, Pittsburgh NFC : Chuck Knox, Los Angeles ABC 1977 January 23, 1978 NFC, 14 -- 13 Tied, 4 -- 4 Walter Payton, Bears, Running back Tampa Stadium 51,337 AFC : Ted Marchibroda, Baltimore NFC : Chuck Knox, Los Angeles ABC 1978 January 29, 1979 NFC, 13 -- 7 NFC, 5 -- 4 Ahmad Rashād, Vikings, Wide receiver Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 46,281 AFC : Chuck Fairbanks, New England NFC : Bud Grant, Minnesota ABC 1979 January 27, 1980 NFC, 37 -- 27 NFC, 6 -- 4 Chuck Muncie, Saints, Running back Aloha Stadium 49,800 AFC : Don Coryell, San Diego NFC : Tom Landry, Dallas ABC 1980 February 1, 1981 NFC, 21 -- 7 NFC, 7 -- 4 Eddie Murray, Lions, Placekicker Aloha Stadium 50,360 AFC : Sam Rutigliano, Cleveland NFC : Leeman Bennett, Atlanta ABC 1981 January 31, 1982 AFC, 16 -- 13 NFC, 7 -- 5 Lee Roy Selmon, Buccaneers, Defensive end Kellen Winslow, Chargers, Tight end Aloha Stadium 50,402 AFC : Don Shula, Miami NFC : John McKay, Tampa Bay ABC 1982 February 6, 1983 NFC, 20 -- 19 NFC, 8 -- 5 Dan Fouts, Chargers, Quarterback John Jefferson, Packers, Wide receiver Aloha Stadium 49,883 AFC : Walt Michaels, New York Jets NFC : Tom Landry, Dallas ABC January 29, 1984 NFC, 45 -- 3 NFC, 9 -- 5 Joe Theismann, Redskins, Quarterback Aloha Stadium 50,445 AFC : Chuck Knox, Seattle NFC : Bill Walsh, San Francisco ABC 1984 January 27, 1985 AFC, 22 -- 14 NFC, 9 -- 6 Mark Gastineau, Jets, Defensive end Aloha Stadium 50,385 AFC : Chuck Noll, Pittsburgh NFC : Mike Ditka, Chicago ABC 1985 February 2, 1986 NFC, 28 -- 24 NFC, 10 -- 6 Phil Simms, Giants, Quarterback Aloha Stadium 50,101 AFC : Don Shula, Miami NFC : John Robinson, L.A. Rams ABC 1986 February 1, 1987 AFC, 10 -- 6 NFC, 10 -- 7 Reggie White, Eagles, Defensive end Aloha Stadium 50,101 AFC : Marty Schottenheimer, Cleveland NFC : Joe Gibbs, Washington ABC February 7, 1988 AFC, 15 -- 6 NFC, 10 -- 8 Bruce Smith, Bills, Defensive end Aloha Stadium 50,113 AFC : Marty Schottenheimer, Cleveland NFC : Jerry Burns, Minnesota ESPN 1988 January 29, 1989 NFC, 34 -- 3 NFC, 11 -- 8 Randall Cunningham, Eagles, Quarterback Aloha Stadium 50,113 AFC : Marv Levy, Buffalo NFC : Mike Ditka, Chicago ESPN 1989 February 4, 1990 NFC, 27 -- 21 NFC, 12 -- 8 Jerry Gray, Rams, Cornerback Aloha Stadium 50,445 AFC : Bud Carson, Cleveland NFC : John Robinson, L.A. Rams ESPN 1990 February 3, 1991 AFC, 23 -- 21 NFC, 12 -- 9 Jim Kelly, Bills, Quarterback Aloha Stadium 50,345 AFC : Art Shell, L.A. Raiders NFC : George Seifert, San Francisco ESPN 1991 February 2, 1992 NFC, 21 -- 15 NFC, 13 -- 9 Michael Irvin, Cowboys, Wide receiver Aloha Stadium 50,209 AFC : Dan Reeves, Denver NFC : Wayne Fontes, Detroit ESPN 1992 February 7, 1993 AFC, 23 -- 20 ( OT ) NFC, 13 -- 10 Steve Tasker, Bills, Special teams Aloha Stadium 50,007 AFC : Don Shula, Miami NFC : George Seifert, San Francisco ESPN 1993 February 6, 1994 NFC, 17 -- 3 NFC, 14 -- 10 Andre Rison, Falcons, Wide receiver Aloha Stadium 50,026 AFC : Marty Schottenheimer, Kansas City NFC : George Seifert, San Francisco ESPN 1994 February 5, 1995 AFC, 41 -- 13 NFC, 14 -- 11 Marshall Faulk, Colts, Running back Aloha Stadium 49,121 AFC : Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh NFC : Barry Switzer, Dallas ABC 1995 February 4, 1996 NFC, 20 -- 13 NFC, 15 -- 11 Jerry Rice, 49ers, Wide receiver Aloha Stadium 50,034 AFC : Ted Marchibroda, Indianapolis NFC : Mike Holmgren, Green Bay ABC February 2, 1997 AFC, 26 -- 23 ( OT ) NFC, 15 -- 12 Mark Brunell, Jaguars, Quarterback Aloha Stadium 50,031 AFC : Tom Coughlin, Jacksonville NFC : Dom Capers, Carolina ABC 1997 February 1, 1998 AFC, 29 -- 24 NFC, 15 -- 13 Warren Moon, Seahawks, Quarterback Aloha Stadium 49,995 AFC : Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh NFC : Steve Mariucci, San Francisco ABC 1998 February 7, 1999 AFC, 23 -- 10 NFC, 15 -- 14 Keyshawn Johnson, Jets, Wide receiver Ty Law, Patriots, Cornerback Aloha Stadium 50,075 AFC : Bill Belichick, N.Y. Jets NFC : Dennis Green, Minnesota ABC 1999 February 6, 2000 NFC, 51 -- 31 NFC, 16 -- 14 Randy Moss, Vikings, Wide receiver Aloha Stadium 50,112 AFC : Tom Coughlin, Jacksonville NFC : Tony Dungy, Tampa Bay ABC 2000 February 4, 2001 AFC, 38 -- 17 NFC, 16 -- 15 Rich Gannon, Raiders, Quarterback Aloha Stadium 50,128 AFC : Jon Gruden, Oakland NFC : Dennis Green, Minnesota ABC 2001 February 9, 2002 AFC, 38 -- 30 Tied, 16 -- 16 Rich Gannon, Raiders, Quarterback Aloha Stadium 50,301 AFC : Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh NFC : Andy Reid, Philadelphia ABC 2002 February 2, 2003 AFC, 45 -- 20 AFC, 17 -- 16 Ricky Williams, Dolphins, Running back Aloha Stadium 50,125 AFC : Jeff Fisher, Tennessee NFC : Andy Reid, Philadelphia ABC 2003 February 8, 2004 NFC, 55 -- 52 Tied, 17 -- 17 Marc Bulger, Rams, Quarterback Aloha Stadium 50,127 AFC : Tony Dungy, Indianapolis NFC : Andy Reid, Philadelphia ESPN February 13, 2005 AFC, 38 -- 27 AFC, 18 -- 17 Peyton Manning, Colts, Quarterback Aloha Stadium 50,225 AFC : Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh NFC : Jim L. Mora, Atlanta ESPN 2005 February 12, 2006 NFC 23 -- 17 Tied, 18 -- 18 Derrick Brooks, Buccaneers, Linebacker Aloha Stadium 50,190 AFC : Mike Shanahan, Denver NFC : John Fox, Carolina ESPN 2006 February 10, 2007 AFC 31 -- 28 AFC, 19 -- 18 Carson Palmer, Bengals, Quarterback Aloha Stadium 50,410 AFC : Bill Belichick, New England NFC : Sean Payton, New Orleans CBS 2007 February 10, 2008 NFC 42 -- 30 Tied, 19 -- 19 Adrian Peterson, Vikings, Running back Aloha Stadium 50,044 AFC : Norv Turner, San Diego NFC : Mike McCarthy, Green Bay Fox 2008 February 8, 2009 NFC 30 -- 21 NFC, 20 -- 19 Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals, Wide receiver Aloha Stadium 49,958 AFC : John Harbaugh, Baltimore NFC : Andy Reid, Philadelphia NBC 2009 January 31, 2010 AFC 41 -- 34 Tied, 20 -- 20 Matt Schaub, Texans, Quarterback Sun Life Stadium 70,697 AFC : Norv Turner, San Diego NFC : Wade Phillips, Dallas ESPN January 30, 2011 NFC 55 -- 41 NFC, 21 -- 20 DeAngelo Hall, Redskins, Cornerback Aloha Stadium 49,338 AFC : Bill Belichick, New England NFC : Mike Smith, Atlanta Fox 2011 January 29, 2012 AFC 59 -- 41 Tied, 21 -- 21 Brandon Marshall, Dolphins, Wide receiver Aloha Stadium 48,423 AFC : Gary Kubiak, Houston NFC : Mike McCarthy, Green Bay NBC 2012 January 27, 2013 NFC 62 -- 35 NFC, 22 -- 21 Kyle Rudolph, Vikings, Tight end Aloha Stadium 47,134 AFC : John Fox, Denver NFC : Mike McCarthy, Green Bay NBC Unconferenced Pro Bowls ( 2013 -- 2015 ) Season Date Score Most Valuable Player ( s ) Venue Attendance Head coaches Network 2013 January 26, 2014 Team Rice 22, Team Sanders 21 Offense : Nick Foles, Eagles, Quarterback Defense : Derrick Johnson, Chiefs, Linebacker Aloha Stadium 47,270 Rice : Ron Rivera, Carolina Sanders : Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis NBC 2014 January 25, 2015 Team Irvin 32, Team Carter 28 Offense : Matthew Stafford, Lions, Quarterback Defense : J.J. Watt, Texans, Defensive end University of Phoenix Stadium 63,225 Irvin : Jason Garrett, Dallas Carter : John Harbaugh, Baltimore ESPN 2015 January 31, 2016 Team Irvin 49, Team Rice 27 Offense : Russell Wilson, Seahawks, Quarterback Defense : Michael Bennett, Seahawks, Defensive end Aloha Stadium 50,000 Irvin : Winston Moss, Green Bay Rice : Andy Reid, Kansas City AFC -- NFC Pro Bowls ( 2016 -- present ) Season Date Score Series Most Valuable Player ( s ) Venue Attendance Head coaches Network 2016 January 29, 2017 AFC 20 -- 13 Tied, 22 -- 22 Offensive : Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs, Tight end Defensive : Lorenzo Alexander, Buffalo Bills, Linebacker Camping World Stadium 60,834 AFC : Andy Reid, Kansas City NFC : Jason Garrett, Dallas ESPN 2017 January 28, 2018 AFC 24 -- 23 AFC, 23 -- 22 Offensive : Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans, Tight end Defensive : Von Miller, Denver Broncos, Linebacker Camping World Stadium 51,019 AFC : Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh NFC : Sean Payton, New Orleans ESPN / ABC Stadiums that have hosted the Pro Bowl Wrigley Field ( 1939 ) Gilmore Stadium ( January and December 1940 ) Polo Grounds ( January 1942 ) Shibe Park ( December 1942 ) Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum ( 1951 -- 1972, 1979 ) Texas Stadium ( 1973 ) Arrowhead Stadium ( 1974 ) Miami Orange Bowl ( 1975 ) Louisiana Superdome ( 1976 ) Kingdome ( 1977 ) Tampa Stadium ( 1978 ) Aloha Stadium ( 1980 -- 2009, 2011 -- 2014, 2016 ) Sun Life Stadium ( 2010 ) University of Phoenix Stadium ( 2015 ) Camping World Stadium ( 2017 -- present ) Records Main article : NFL Pro Bowl records Players with most appearances As of the most recent Pro Bowl, the 2017 Pro Bowl, 39 players have been invited to at least ten Pro Bowls in their careers. Except for those that are current active or not yet eligible, each of these players have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Four players share the record of having been invited to 14 Pro Bowls, the first being Merlin Olsen, followed by Bruce Matthews, Tony Gonzalez, and Peyton Manning. Pro Bowls Player Position Seasons by team Selection years Year of induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame 14 Tony Gonzalez TE Kansas City Chiefs ( 1997 -- 2008 ) Atlanta Falcons ( 2009 -- 2013 ) 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Eligible in 2019 14 Peyton Manning QB Indianapolis Colts ( 1998 -- 2011 ) Denver Broncos ( 2012 -- 2015 ) 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 Eligible in 2021 14 Bruce Matthews Houston Oilers / Tennessee Oilers / Tennessee Titans ( 1983 -- 2001 ) 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 2007 14 Merlin Olsen DT Los Angeles Rams ( 1962 -- 1976 ) 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975 1982 13 Tom Brady QB New England Patriots ( 2000 -- present ) 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 Active player 13 Ray Lewis LB Baltimore Ravens ( 1996 -- 2012 ) 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 2018 13 Jerry Rice WR San Francisco 49ers ( 1985 -- 2000 ) Oakland Raiders ( 2001 -- 2004 ) Seattle Seahawks ( 2004 ) 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2002 13 Reggie White DE Philadelphia Eagles ( 1985 -- 1992 ) Green Bay Packers ( 1993 -- 1998 ) Carolina Panthers ( 2000 ) 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 2006 12 Champ Bailey CB Washington Redskins ( 1999 -- 2003 ) Denver Broncos ( 2004 -- 2013 ) 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Eligible in 2019 12 Ken Houston Houston Oilers ( 1967 -- 1972 ) Washington Redskins ( 1973 -- 1980 ) 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 1986 12 Randall McDaniel Minnesota Vikings ( 1988 -- 1999 ) Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 2000 -- 2001 ) 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 2009 12 Jim Otto Oakland Raiders ( 1960 -- 1974 ) 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 1980 12 Junior Seau LB San Diego Chargers ( 1990 -- 2002 ) Miami Dolphins ( 2003 -- 2005 ) New England Patriots ( 2006 -- 2009 ) 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 2015 12 Will Shields Kansas City Chiefs ( 1993 -- 2006 ) 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 2015 11 Larry Allen Dallas Cowboys ( 1994 -- 2005 ) San Francisco 49ers ( 2006 -- 2007 ) 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 2013 11 Drew Brees QB San Diego Chargers ( 2001 -- 2005 ) New Orleans Saints ( 2006 -- present ) 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 Active player 11 Derrick Brooks LB Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 1995 -- 2008 ) 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 2014 11 Brett Favre QB Atlanta Falcons ( 1991 ) Green Bay Packers ( 1992 -- 2007 ) New York Jets ( 2008 ) Minnesota Vikings ( 2009 -- 2010 ) 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009 2016 11 Larry Fitzgerald WR Arizona Cardinals ( 2004 -- present ) 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 Active player 11 Bob Lilly DT Dallas Cowboys ( 1961 -- 1974 ) 1962, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 1980 11 Tom Mack Los Angeles Rams ( 1966 -- 1978 ) 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978 1999 11 Gino Marchetti DE Dallas Texans ( 1952 ) Baltimore Colts ( 1953 -- 1964 ; 1966 ) 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964 1972 11 Anthony Muñoz OT Cincinnati Bengals ( 1980 -- 1992 ) 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 1998 11 Jonathan Ogden OT Baltimore Ravens ( 1996 -- 2007 ) 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 2013 11 Willie Roaf OT New Orleans Saints ( 1993 -- 2001 ) Kansas City Chiefs ( 2002 -- 2005 ) 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 2012 11 Bruce Smith DE Buffalo Bills ( 1985 -- 1999 ) Washington Redskins ( 2000 -- 2003 ) 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 2009 11 Jason Witten TE Dallas Cowboys ( 2003 -- present ) 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017 Active player 11 Rod Woodson CB Pittsburgh Steelers ( 1987 -- 1996 ) San Francisco 49ers ( 1997 ) Baltimore Ravens ( 1998 -- 2001 ) Oakland Raiders ( 2002 -- 2003 ) 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 2009 10 Joe Greene DT Pittsburgh Steelers ( 1969 -- 1981 ) 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979 10 Ronnie Lott San Francisco 49ers ( 1981 -- 1990 ) Los Angeles Raiders ( 1991 -- 1992 ) New York Jets ( 1993 -- 1994 ) 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 2000 10 Leo Nomellini DT San Francisco 49ers ( 1950 -- 1963 ) 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961 1969 10 Mel Renfro Dallas Cowboys ( 1964 -- 1977 ) 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 10 Jim Ringo Green Bay Packers ( 1953 -- 1963 ) Philadelphia Eagles ( 1964 -- 1967 ) 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967 1981 10 Barry Sanders RB Detroit Lions ( 1989 -- 1998 ) 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 10 Joe Schmidt LB Detroit Lions ( 1953 -- 1965 ) 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963 1973 10 Mike Singletary LB Chicago Bears ( 1981 -- 1992 ) 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 1998 10 Lawrence Taylor LB New York Giants ( 1981 -- 1993 ) 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 1999 10 Joe Thomas OT Cleveland Browns ( 2007 -- present ) 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 Active player 10 Johnny Unitas QB Baltimore Colts ( 1956 -- 1972 ) San Diego Chargers ( 1973 ) 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1967 1979 Television See also : List of Pro Bowl broadcasters Under the prior NFL television contract which was in effect through the 2014 Pro Bowl, the network which aired the Super Bowl also aired the Pro Bowl. The 2007 game on CBS was held on the Saturday after Super Bowl XLI because of the 49th Grammy Awards. The 2008 game was on Fox, broadcaster of Super Bowl XLII. Likewise, the 2009 game was on NBC, broadcaster of Super Bowl XLIII. CBS sold off their rights to the 2010 game to ESPN, which was played a week before the Super Bowl at the Super Bowl site, Sun Life Stadium. CBS also declined to broadcast the 2013 game, which was instead shown on NBC. The 2014 game, also shown on NBC, was the final Pro Bowl on network television for four years, as exclusive broadcast rights moved to ESPN in 2015 prior to being simulcast with sister network ABC in 2018. The Pro Bowl was originally broadcast on an alternative basis by CBS and NBC 1971 -- 1974 ; the other network broadcast the Super Bowl. Later, the game was broadcast as part of the Monday Night Football package on ABC 1975 -- 1987 and again 1995 -- 2003. In 2004 -- 2006, ABC sold its rights to the Pro Bowl to sister network ESPN ( who had shown it 1988 -- 1994 ). In those years, the ESPN Sunday Night Football crew covered the game. In the early 2000s, after suffering through several years of dwindling ratings ABC considered moving the game to Monday night. The idea was scrapped, however, when ABC decided to sell off the rights to sister network ESPN. Throughout his broadcasting career, John Madden declined to be part of the announcing crew when his network carried the Pro Bowl due to his aviatophobia and claustrophobia ( a joke referencing both is made in the Madden NFL ' 97 video game before the beginning of the Pro Bowl in season mode, where Madden quips that he drove his `` Madden Bus '' to Hawaii, rather than flying ). Until Madden 's retirement from broadcasting after the 2009 Pro Bowl, it had only occurred twice : former San Diego Chargers quarterback and MNF personality Dan Fouts, whom Madden had replaced, took his place on ABC in 2003, and Cris Collinsworth took his place on NBC in 2009 ( Collinsworth ended up replacing Madden permanently upon the latter 's retirement ). ESPN will hold exclusive rights to the Pro Bowl from 2015 through 2022, although in 2018, the Pro Bowl returned to network television for the first time in four years as part of a joint ABC / ESPN simulcast ( both sister networks are owned by The Walt Disney Company ). Most watched Pro Bowls Rank Game Date Matchup Network Viewers ( millions ) TV Rating Location 2011 Pro Bowl January 29, 2011 AFC 41 NFC 55 Fox 13.4 7.7 Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI 2000 Pro Bowl February 6, 2000 AFC 31 NFC 51 ABC 13.2 8.6 Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI 2012 Pro Bowl January 29, 2012 NFC 41 AFC 59 NBC 12.5 7.3 Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI 2010 Pro Bowl January 31, 2010 AFC 41 NFC 34 ESPN 12.3 7.1 Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL 5 2013 Pro Bowl January 27, 2013 AFC 35 NFC 62 NBC 12.2 7.1 Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI 6 2014 Pro Bowl January 26, 2014 Team Rice 22 Team Sanders 21 11.4 6.6 Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI 7 2008 Pro Bowl February 10, 2008 AFC 30 NFC 42 Fox 10.0 6.3 Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI 8 2003 Pro Bowl February 2, 2003 NFC 23 AFC 45 ABC 9.1 5.9 Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI 9 2009 Pro Bowl February 8, 2009 NFC 30 AFC 21 NBC 8.8 5.4 Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI 10 2015 Pro Bowl January 25, 2015 Team Irvin 32 Team Carter 28 ESPN 8.8 5.1 University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ Blackout Policy The Pro Bowl is still subject to the NFL 's blackout policies, requiring the game to be blacked out within 75 miles ( 121 km ) of the stadium site if the game does not sell out all of the stadium 's seats. Criticism Quality For decades, the Pro Bowl has been criticized as a glamour event more than a football game. This is due to two causes : the voluntary nature of the game, and the fear of player injury. While players are financially compensated for participating in the Pro Bowl, for a star player, the pay can be less than 1 % of their salary. Many star players have excused themselves from participation over the years, meaning that the very best players are not necessarily featured. Not having the best players in the Pro Bowl was exacerbated by the introduction of fan voting ( see section below ). Another criticism of the game is that the players -- particularly on defense -- are not playing `` full speed ''. This is because player injury plays a much greater part in a team 's success in the NFL as compared to the other major American sports. For this reason, unlike the NBA, NHL, and MLB ( which host their all - star events as a mid-season break ), the Pro Bowl was historically held after the completion of the season and playoffs. This means that a player injured in the Pro Bowl would have at least six months to rehab before the next season begins. However, starting in 2010, the Pro Bowl was moved from the week after the Super Bowl to the week before the Super Bowl. Because of the above - noted fear of injury, players from the two teams participating in the Super Bowl were banned from participation, meaning that the absence of star players was only increased. With the dearth of stars making the game the subject of much derision ( Sports Illustrated website refused to even include one pre-game story on the event in 2012 ), the players on the field appear to be taking it less seriously as well. In the 2012 game, the lack of defensive effort was apparent, not only to anyone watching, but to anyone who saw the score of 100 points. One NFL player watching the game said, `` They probably should have just put flags on them, '' indicating that the quality was about on the level of flag football. Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that the game needed to improve, otherwise it would be eliminated. It is worth noting that entire teams have declined to participate after losing the conference championship, like the 2015 New England Patriots, which had seven starters on the Pro Bowl roster. This, among other factors, caused the 2016 Pro Bowl to be more of a game featuring emerging players, with a record of 133 players selected overall ( including those who were absent ), and ended up including rookie QB Jameis Winston instead of recognized veterans Tom Brady and Carson Palmer, who were both in the conversation for the 2015 NFL season MVP before losing in their respective conference finals. Selection process Fan voting has increased criticism of the Pro Bowl. Voting by fans makes up 1 / 3 of the vote for Pro Bowl players. Some teams earn more selections of their players because fans often vote for their favorite team and not necessarily the best player. In the 2008 Pro Bowl, the Dallas Cowboys had thirteen players on the NFC roster, an NFL record. `` If you 're in a small market, no one really gets to see you play '', said Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield, who spent much of his early career with the small - market Buffalo Bills. `` If you 're a quiet guy, it 's hard to get the attention. You just have to work hard and play. '' Winfield made the Pro Bowl in 2008 after ten seasons of being shut out. The player voting has also been subject to significant criticism. It is not uncommon for players to pick the same players over and over again ; former offensive lineman ( and Sports Illustrated analyst ) Ross Tucker has cited politics, incumbency, personal vendettas, and compensation for injury in previous years as primary factors in players ' choices. Thus, players who have seen their play decline with age can still be perennially elected to the Pro Bowl due to their popularity among other players, something particularly common among positions such as the offensive line, where few statistics are available. For example, in 2010, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs admitted voting for Ryan Fitzpatrick ( then the backup quarterback of the Buffalo Bills ) over eventual league most valuable player Tom Brady not because he thought Fitzpatrick was the better player but as a vote of disrespect toward Brady 's team, the New England Patriots. Some players have had a surprisingly small number of Pro Bowl selections despite distinguished careers. Hall of Fame running back John Riggins was selected only once in his career from 1971 to 1985. He was not selected in the year after which he set the record for rushing touchdowns in a season and his team made it to the Super Bowl ( although he did make the All - Pro team ). Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Nitschke only made the Pro Bowl once, despite being named All - Pro seven times and being the MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship Game. Defensive back Ken Riley never made the Pro Bowl in his 15 seasons, even though he recorded 65 interceptions, the fourth - highest total in NFL history at the time of his retirement. Former Jacksonville Jaguars halfback Fred Taylor, who is 15th in all - time rushing yards, was elected to his only Pro Bowl in 2007, despite averaging 4.6 yards per carry for his career, better than all but five running backs ranked in the top 30 in all - time rushing. Aaron Smith made it to the Pro Bowl once in 13 years ( 2004 ) despite winning two Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers and being named to the Sports Illustrated 2000s All Decade Team, despite defensive teammates such as Troy Polamalu, Casey Hampton, and James Harrison being named to multiple Pro Bowls during his career ; Smith would often be ranked as one of the NFL 's most underrated players during his career. Long snappers are picked by the coaches and not voted on at all. They are not allowed to play on their own coach 's team. See also American Football League All - Star games All - America Football Conference All - Star Game List of players selected to the Pro Bowl List of Pro Bowl broadcasters Chicago College All - Star Game -- a series played between an NFL team and a collegiate all - star team References Jump up ^ `` NFL Pro Bowl Series ''. NFL Pro Bowl Series. Retrieved 2016 - 02 - 06. Jump up ^ `` Goodell : Pro Bowl may not continue in current format ''. NFL.com. Retrieved 2016 - 02 - 06. Jump up ^ Fletcher, Dan ( January 29, 2010 ). `` Is the NFL Pro Bowl Broken ? ''. Time. Retrieved January 31, 2011. While the Pro Bowl managed to sell out Dolphins Stadium, the game usually pulls down mediocre TV ratings ; it 's the only major all - star game that draws lower ratings than regular - season matchups. Jump up ^ Finn, Chad ( February 1, 2013 ). `` Pro Bowl may be mocked, but it 's popular ''. Boston Globe. Retrieved October 21, 2013. Jump up ^ `` NFC reels in five picks to throttle AFC in Pro Bowl ''. ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 30, 2011. Retrieved January 31, 2011. The NFC 's 55 - 41 victory, a game not nearly as interesting as that score would indicate, did nothing to repair the tattered image of the NFL 's all - star contest. Jump up ^ `` Brandon Marshall catches Pro Bowl - record 4 TDs in AFC 's win ''. ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 30, 2012. Archived from the original on January 30, 2012. Jump up ^ Schottey, Michael ( June 2, 2016 ). `` NFL Pro Bowl 's Move to Orlando Provides Chance to Reinvigorate the Event ''. Forbes. Jump up ^ Orr, Conor ( June 1, 2016 ). `` Orlando Pro Bowl returning to AFC - NFC format in 2017 ''. NFL. National Football League. Jump up ^ Crawford, Fred R. ( 1990 ). `` The First Pro Bowl Game '' ( PDF ). The Coffin Corner. 12 ( 4 ). Archived from the original ( PDF ) on January 31, 2012. Retrieved January 31, 2012. Jump up ^ Gill, Bob ( 1983 ). `` The Best Of The Rest : Part One '' ( PDF ). The Coffin Corner. 5 ( 11 ). Archived from the original ( PDF ) on January 31, 2012. Retrieved January 31, 2012. ^ Jump up to : `` Pro Bowl game approved by National Grid League ''. The Palm Beach Post. AP. June 4, 1950. p. 21. Retrieved January 30, 2012. Jump up ^ Hofmann, Sarah. `` NFL commissioner may axe Pro Bowl ''. The Daily Caller. Retrieved 25 October 2012. Jump up ^ Players defend Pro Bowl after 62 - 35 NFC win Archived 2013 - 02 - 16 at Archive.is. Associated Press. Retrieved January 28, 2013. ^ Jump up to : `` NFL Pro Bowl rosters to be determined by draft ''. Yahoo ! Sports. Associated Press. July 31, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Archived copy ''. Archived from the original on 2014 - 04 - 09. Retrieved 2014 - 04 - 09. Jump up ^ `` 2015 Pro Bowl To Be Played in Arizona, 2016 Pro Bowl Slated for Hawaii ''. National Football League. April 9, 2014. Archived from the original on April 9, 2014. Retrieved April 9, 2014. Jump up ^ Marvez, Alex ( March 23, 2015 ). `` NFL considering Brazil to host 2017 Pro Bowl ''. Fox Sports. Retrieved March 23, 2015. Jump up ^ Brady, James. `` NFL exploring Mexico, Germany and other markets to host games ''. SB Nation. Retrieved 30 April 2015. Jump up ^ Soshnick, Scott ( May 19, 2016 ). The NFL Pro Bowl Is Moving to Orlando. Bloomberg... Retrieved May 19, 2016. Jump up ^ Orr, Conor ( June 1, 2016 ). `` Orlando Pro Bowl returning to AFC - NFC format in 2017 ''. NFL. Retrieved June 1, 2016. Jump up ^ `` Marchibroda, Knox Pro Bowl Coaches ''. Tampa Bay Times. December 28, 1977. Retrieved December 26, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Parcells Needs Rest, Passes on Pro Bowl ''. LA Times. January 27, 1999. Retrieved January 28, 2013. Jump up ^ Wyche, Steve ( December 28, 2009 ). `` Pro Bowl selections, like game itself, will have new wrinkles ''. NFL.com. National Football League. Archived from the original on January 5, 2010. Retrieved January 11, 2010. Jump up ^ `` All - Time Results ''. 2011 NFL Pro Bowl Official Game Program. NFL Publishing : 191 -- 92. 2011. Retrieved February 2, 2011. Jump up ^ `` 2011 AFC - NFC Pro Bowl Facts and Figures ''. Retrieved January 30, 2011. Jump up ^ `` 2011 Pro Bowl : Time, Announcers, Rosters And More For NFL 's All - Star Event ''. Retrieved 2011 - 01 - 30. Jump up ^ Corbett, Jim ( February 11, 2008 ). `` Peterson helps NFC roar back for Pro Bowl crown ''. USA Today. Retrieved October 20, 2008. Jump up ^ Fitzgerald, Matt. `` NFL ''. Bleacher Report. Retrieved 6 January 2015. Jump up ^ Percy, Ethan ( October 8, 2013 ). `` New NFL Pro Bowl Uniforms Look More Like Oregon Vs. Oklahoma State ''. B'more2Boston. Retrieved November 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Giants Beat Stars ; Ward Cuff Is Hero ''. Milwaukee Journal. UP. January 16, 1939. p. L - 7. Retrieved February 2, 2012. Jump up ^ `` The 1952 Pro Bowl ''. Archived from the original on January 24, 2012. Retrieved October 20, 2008. ^ Jump up to : Saturday game ^ Jump up to : Monday night game Jump up ^ Filled in for then - Jets head coach Bill Parcells Jump up ^ `` NFL Pro Bowl Selections Career Leaders ''. Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved December 11, 2017. Jump up ^ Leibowitz, Ben ( February 6, 2016 ). `` 25 Facts About Quarterback Peyton Manning ''. Arizona Daily Sun. Retrieved December 11, 2017. Jump up ^ Molloy, Tim and Lucas Shaw ( September 8, 2011 ). ' Monday Night Football ' to Remain on ESPN Through 2021. The Wrap. Retrieved September 9, 2011. Jump up ^ `` 2016 Pro Bowl Lowest Rated in Ten Years, Least - Watched in Nine ''. SportsMediaWatch.com. Retrieved January 25, 2017. Jump up ^ `` NFL lifts TV blackout as Pro Bowl nears sell out ''. The Seattle Times. 2009 - 02 - 07. Retrieved 2013 - 02 - 16. Jump up ^ Pro Bowl Blackout Date Extended ( KHOU - TV ) Archived 2011 - 07 - 25 at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ `` Keisel on Pro Bowl : They `` should have just put flags '' on players ``. Profootballtalk.com. January 30, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Goodell : NFL could drop Pro Bowl ''. Sports Illustrated. February 5, 2012. Archived from the original on February 8, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2012. CS1 maint : Unfit url ( link ) Jump up ^ `` Roger Goodell indicates Pro Bowl 's future in doubt ''. National Football League. Retrieved October 22, 2012. Jump up ^ http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/197015/2016-nfl-pro-bowl-most-declined-invitation-in-history Jump up ^ Hill, Jemele ( December 9, 2008 ). `` Take away the fan vote ''. ESPN. Retrieved December 12, 2008. Jump up ^ Tucker, Ross. NFL Pro Bowl voting among players should be consistent. SI.com Jump up ^ Terrell Suggs : Teams hate Patriots. ESPN.com. Retrieved February 27, 2013. Jump up ^ http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000209728/article/pittsburgh-steelers-alltime-underrated-overrated-players External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pro Bowl. Official site The Complete History of the Pro Bowl The NFL 's official website Online Fan Voting Ballot `` Pro Bowl Game Books 1971 -- 2011 ''. NFL Game Statistics & Information System. National Football League. Archived from the original on January 30, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2012. National Football League Pro Bowl All - Star Games 1939 1940 ( Jan ) 1940 ( Dec ) 1942 ( Jan ) 1942 ( Dec ) NFL Pro Bowls 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 AFC -- NFC Pro Bowls 1971 1972 1973 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2017 2018 Draft Pro Bowls 2014 2015 2016 Aloha Stadium Camping World Stadium Broadcasters Playoff Bowl broadcasters AFL All - Star Game broadcasters National Football League ( 2018 ) AFC East North South West Buffalo Bills Miami Dolphins New England Patriots New York Jets Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Houston Texans Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Tennessee Titans Denver Broncos Kansas City Chiefs Los Angeles Chargers Oakland Raiders NFC East North South West Dallas Cowboys New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Arizona Cardinals Los Angeles Rams San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Seasons Seasons ( by team ) Preseason Hall of Fame Game American Bowl Regular season Kickoff game Monday Night Football International Series London Toronto Bills Series List of games played outside the U.S. Thanksgiving games Christmas games Playoffs Streaks Droughts AFC Championship NFC Championship Super Bowl champions quarterbacks Pro Bowl History League history Executive history Championship history Timeline Defunct franchises Franchise moves and mergers Los Angeles team history Proposed stadiums 1995 -- 2016 American Football League ( 1960 -- 1969 ) Playoffs Merger NFL Championship ( 1920 -- 1969 ) Playoff Bowl Records individual team Super Bowl All time win -- loss Last undefeated Tied games Canceled games Controversies Business Owners Properties Management Council Competition Committee Collective Bargaining Agreement National Football League Players Association Lockouts Media TV NFL Network Radio Other Officials Stadiums Chronology Awards All - Pro Hall of Fame Foreign players Player conduct Suspensions Player misconduct Combine Draft Training camp Rivalries NFL Foundation Culture Cheerleading Mascots Lore Nicknames Numbers Retired Color Rush Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pro_Bowl&oldid=828788268 '' Categories : Pro Bowl 1939 establishments in California All - star games Annual sporting events in the United States National Football League competitions Recurring sporting events established in 1939 American football in Hawaii January sporting events Hidden categories : Webarchive template archiveis links All articles with dead external links Articles with dead external links from February 2018 Articles with permanently dead external links Articles with dead external links from January 2018 Webarchive template wayback links CS1 maint : Unfit url Use American English from January 2017 All Wikipedia articles written in American English All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from January 2018 Articles with unsourced statements from February 2017 Talk Contents About Wikipedia Català Čeština Dansk Deutsch Español Euskara Français 한국어 Hrvatski Italiano עברית Magyar Nederlands 日本 語 Polski Português Русский Simple English Suomi Svenska 中文 13 more Edit links This page was last edited on 4 March 2018, at 19 : 32. 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Question: when was the last time the pro bowl was played in hawaii
Answer: 2016