The 2026 Pro Bowl Games wrapped up Tuesday night in a high-scoring flag football showcase, with the NFC storming back to top the AFC, 66-52. While the league has leaned into a more playful, skills-based format in recent years, this year’s event took a simpler turn-no dodgeball, no relay races, no strength showdowns. Just the flag football game itself, and it didn’t disappoint in terms of action.
For Cleveland Browns fans, there were a few familiar faces under the Pro Bowl spotlight. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, cornerback Denzel Ward, and defensive end Myles Garrett had all earned nods, though Garrett ultimately didn’t make the trip. That left Sanders and Ward to carry the Browns’ banner in Orlando.
Let’s start with Sanders, who put together a stat line that was equal parts promising and educational in his first Pro Bowl appearance. The rookie went 12-of-15 for 152 yards, tossing two touchdowns and two interceptions.
One of those picks came early, on a pass that hit Ja’Marr Chase in the hands before deflecting into the arms of safety Kevin Byard. The return nearly went the distance, but a penalty wiped out the would-be pick-six.
Still, Sanders showed poise and creativity throughout his reps. The quarterbacks rotated by series, and Sanders wasted little time making his mark. He connected early with Bengals wideout Tee Higgins, showcasing the kind of timing and arm talent that earned him the Pro Bowl nod in the first place.
Then came the touchdowns. The first was a fun one-a 1-yard strike to Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles, who checked in as an eligible receiver and made the most of his moment in the spotlight. Later in the second quarter, Sanders hit Texans wide receiver Nico Collins for a 26-yard touchdown, threading the needle on a deep ball that reminded everyone why he’s viewed as a rising star.
Sanders also added a 10-yard run and generally looked comfortable in the looser, faster-paced format of flag football. But like most All-Star games, the defense eventually caught up.
After building a 52-36 lead early in the third quarter, the AFC offense stalled out completely. The NFC rattled off 30 unanswered points to close the game, and Sanders’ final pass-a deep shot to Higgins on third-and-long-was picked off.
On the other side of the ball, Denzel Ward had a quieter night statistically, logging one tackle. While there weren’t any highlight-reel plays from the Browns’ shutdown corner, he still found a way to make an impression-literally running off the field mid-game to snap a selfie with a fan. It was a fitting moment for a Pro Bowl that prioritized fun and fan engagement over hard-nosed competition.
All in all, it was a night to remember for Sanders, who held his own among a group of veteran quarterbacks, including Joe Flacco making his first Pro Bowl appearance. It’s not every year you see a Browns QB and a Ravens legend sharing reps for the AFC, but that’s the kind of season it’s been.
The Pro Bowl Games may not carry the weight of playoff football, but for players like Sanders and Ward, it’s a chance to be recognized, to connect with fans, and to show off their skills on a national stage. And for Browns fans, it’s a small but meaningful reminder of how far this roster has come.