The NFC came out on top in the 2026 Pro Bowl flag football game, outpacing the AFC 66-52 in a high-scoring showcase Tuesday night in San Francisco. While the game leaned more toward fun than fierce competition, it still delivered its fair share of standout moments - and one of the most unexpected stars of the night was Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles.
Yes, you read that right. The big man up front turned heads not for his blocking, but for his hands.
Playing under head coach Jerry Rice, the NFC squad got the better of a Steve Young-led AFC team that featured five Broncos: Bolles, wide receiver Courtland Sutton, defensive lineman Zach Allen, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, and cornerback Pat Surtain II. And while the AFC didn’t come away with the win, Bolles made sure his presence was felt - and then some.
Lining up as an eligible center (because, hey, it’s the Pro Bowl), Bolles got in on the action early. In the first quarter, he caught a two-point conversion pass - only to have it wiped out by a flag for an illegal forward pass.
It was a close call, but no dice. Still, Bolles wasn’t done.
Later in the quarter, after Sutton hauled in a catch that set the AFC up at the one-yard line, Bolles got his redemption. This time, Shedeur Sanders found him in the end zone, and the touchdown stood.
The celebration? Deservedly enthusiastic.
But Bolles wasn’t finished. In the second quarter, he added a one-point conversion reception from Joe Burrow, continuing his unlikely campaign as the AFC’s go-to red zone threat.
On the sideline, Bolles set the bar high, telling reporters he was aiming for four touchdowns. He didn’t quite get there, but for a left tackle, two scores in a flag football game is about as Pro Bowl as it gets.
As for Sutton, he had a solid showing of his own. The Broncos wideout caught two passes for 37 yards, including a near-touchdown just before halftime.
He took a lateral and made a diving effort toward the goal line, but officials ruled him down just short. Still, his yardage helped keep the AFC within striking distance.
Now, with the Pro Bowl festivities wrapped, the NFL calendar shifts into high gear. "NFL Honors" is set for Thursday night, followed by the main event - Super Bowl Sunday. After that, it’s full steam ahead into the offseason, where teams will start making moves that shape the 2026 season and beyond.
But for one night in San Francisco, it was all about fun, flair, and a 300-pound lineman catching touchdown passes like he’s been doing it his whole life.