2020 Pro Bowl
The 2020 Pro Bowl was the National Football League's (NFL) annual all-star game for the 2019 regular season, contested on January 26, 2020, between top players from the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC) at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.[1] In a high-scoring affair, the AFC rallied to defeat the NFC 38–33, marking their second consecutive Pro Bowl victory.[1] The event highlighted the league's elite talent, with rosters selected through a combination of fan, player, and coach voting, emphasizing standout performers from the 2019 season such as quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson.[2] The full rosters for both conferences were announced on December 17, 2019, featuring 88 players across offense, defense, and special teams, with notable absences due to injuries or Super Bowl preparations for the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.[2] Leading up to the game, the weekend included the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge on January 23, where participants competed in events like precision passing and best hands, showcasing athleticism beyond traditional football play.[3] The game began with a moment of silence in tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, who died earlier that day in a helicopter crash. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, the presumptive 2019 NFL MVP, earned Offensive MVP honors for his performance, while Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Calais Campbell received the Defensive MVP award for his impactful plays.[1] The 2020 event drew attention for its competitive balance and fan engagement, though it also underscored ongoing discussions about increasing the game's intensity compared to prior years.[1] Broadcast nationally on ESPN and ABC, it served as a celebratory capstone to the NFL season before the Super Bowl, with proceeds supporting youth football initiatives through the NFL Foundation.[4]Background
Selection process
The selection process for the 2020 Pro Bowl involved votes from fans, players, and coaches, with each group's ballots weighted equally at one-third of the total to determine the initial roster.[5] Fan voting occurred online via NFL.com and other platforms, running from November 12 to December 12, 2019, allowing unlimited votes per fan to influence selections across all positions.[6] Player and coach voting followed a similar timeline, focusing on peer and professional evaluations of performance during the 2019 regular season.[2] The initial rosters, comprising 88 players (44 per conference), were announced on December 17, 2019, during a live broadcast on NFL Network.[7] These selections highlighted standout performers from the season, including a mix of first-time honorees and veterans.[2] Notable repeat selections included defensive tackle Aaron Donald, earning his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.[8] Subsequent to the initial announcement, replacements were named for players unable to participate due to injuries or advancement to the Super Bowl, ensuring the final rosters totaled 88 participants while maintaining balance across conferences and positions.[9] This process adhered to NFL guidelines for alternates, prioritizing eligible players based on the original voting criteria.[10]Venue and scheduling
The 2020 Pro Bowl was held on January 26, 2020, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, marking the fourth consecutive year the NFL's all-star game was hosted in the city.[11] The venue, with a capacity of approximately 65,000, provided a suitable outdoor setting for the event, continuing Orlando's role as a preferred host due to its accessibility and tourism infrastructure.[12] Scheduled one week before Super Bowl LIV on February 2, 2020, in Miami, the Pro Bowl adhered to the NFL's tradition of positioning the all-star game as a lead-in to the championship. Stadium gates opened at 12 p.m. ET, allowing fans early access to pre-game festivities, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET to align with national broadcast windows.[13] The event was supported through a partnership with Visit Orlando, the region's official tourism organization, which collaborated on promotion and visitor services to maximize attendance and local engagement. This arrangement helped generate an estimated $45 million in economic impact for Central Florida, driven by visitor spending on hotels, dining, and attractions.[14][15] Game-day weather in Orlando featured mild conditions, with highs reaching around 69°F under mostly sunny skies and minimal wind, ensuring comfortable viewing for attendees without any precipitation interruptions.[16]Rosters
AFC roster
The American Football Conference (AFC) roster for the 2020 Pro Bowl highlighted elite talent across positions, with the Baltimore Ravens leading all teams with 12 selections in the initial announcement. Due to the Kansas City Chiefs' participation in Super Bowl LIV, several Chiefs players were replaced, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes by Ryan Tannehill of the Tennessee Titans, wide receiver Tyreek Hill by D.J. Chark of the Jacksonville Jaguars, tight end Travis Kelce by Jack Doyle of the Indianapolis Colts, defensive end Frank Clark by Josh Allen of the Jaguars, and defensive tackle Chris Jones by Jurrell Casey of the Titans. Additional replacements occurred for injuries, such as Orlando Brown Jr. of the Ravens stepping in on the offensive line. The final roster emphasized balance, with strong representation from the Ravens, Titans, and Steelers.Offense
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Quarterbacks | Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens), Deshaun Watson (Houston Texans), Ryan Tannehill (Tennessee Titans; replacement for Patrick Mahomes) |
| Running Backs | Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns), Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans), Mark Ingram II (Baltimore Ravens) |
| Fullback | Patrick Ricard (Baltimore Ravens) |
| Wide Receivers | Keenan Allen (Los Angeles Chargers), Jarvis Landry (Cleveland Browns), Courtland Sutton (Denver Broncos), D.J. Chark (Jacksonville Jaguars; replacement for Tyreek Hill) |
| Tight Ends | Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens), Jack Doyle (Indianapolis Colts; replacement for Travis Kelce) |
| Offensive Tackles | Ronnie Stanley (Baltimore Ravens), Laremy Tunsil (Houston Texans), Orlando Brown Jr. (Baltimore Ravens; replacement for Trent Brown) |
| Guards | Marshal Yanda (Baltimore Ravens), Quenton Nelson (Indianapolis Colts), Joel Bitonio (Cleveland Browns) |
| Centers | Rodney Hudson (Las Vegas Raiders), Ryan Kelly (Indianapolis Colts) |
Defense
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Defensive Ends | Melvin Ingram III (Los Angeles Chargers), Josh Allen (Jacksonville Jaguars; replacement for Frank Clark), Calais Campbell (Jacksonville Jaguars) |
| Defensive Tackles | Cameron Heyward (Pittsburgh Steelers), Geno Atkins (Cincinnati Bengals), Jurrell Casey (Tennessee Titans; replacement for Chris Jones) |
| Outside Linebackers | Von Miller (Denver Broncos), T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers), Matt Judon (Baltimore Ravens) |
| Inside Linebackers | Darius Leonard (Indianapolis Colts), Tremaine Edmunds (Buffalo Bills) |
| Cornerbacks | Stephon Gilmore (New England Patriots), Tre'Davious White (Buffalo Bills), Marlon Humphrey (Baltimore Ravens), Joe Haden (Pittsburgh Steelers) |
| Safeties | Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pittsburgh Steelers), Earl Thomas III (Baltimore Ravens), Jamal Adams (New York Jets) |
Special Teams
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Punter | Brett Kern (Tennessee Titans) |
| Kicker | Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens) |
| Long Snapper | Morgan Cox (Baltimore Ravens) |
| Return Specialist | Andre Roberts (Buffalo Bills) |
| Special Teamer | Matthew Slater (New England Patriots) |
NFC roster
The National Football Conference (NFC) roster for the 2020 Pro Bowl featured 44 players across offense, defense, and special teams, with several replacements made due to injuries, opt-outs, and conflicts with Super Bowl preparations.[17] Offense The offensive unit included three quarterbacks, three running backs, one fullback, two tight ends, four wide receivers, and eight offensive linemen. Quarterbacks were Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks (starter), Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, and Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings (replacement for Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers). Running backs consisted of Dalvin Cook of the Minnesota Vikings (starter), Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys (replacement for Christian McCaffrey of the Carolina Panthers due to injury), and Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints. The fullback was C.J. Ham of the Minnesota Vikings (replacement for Kyle Juszczyk of the San Francisco 49ers). Tight ends were Zach Ertz of the Philadelphia Eagles (starter) and Austin Hooper of the Atlanta Falcons (replacement for George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers). Wide receivers included Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints (starter), Amari Cooper of the Dallas Cowboys (replacement for Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Kenny Golladay of the Detroit Lions (replacement for Chris Godwin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and Davante Adams of the Green Bay Packers (replacement for Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons). Tackles were Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys (starter), Terron Armstead of the New Orleans Saints, and Lane Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles (replacement for David Bakhtiari of the Green Bay Packers). Guards included Zack Martin of the Dallas Cowboys (starter), Brandon Scherff of the Washington Redskins, and Trai Turner of the Carolina Panthers (replacement for Brandon Brooks of the Philadelphia Eagles). Centers were Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles (starter) and Travis Frederick of the Dallas Cowboys.[17][2] Defense The defensive roster comprised three defensive ends, three interior linemen, three outside linebackers, two inside linebackers, five cornerbacks, two free safeties, and one strong safety. Defensive ends were Cameron Jordan of the New Orleans Saints (starter), Danielle Hunter of the Minnesota Vikings (replacement for Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers), and Everson Griffen of the Minnesota Vikings (replacement addition). Interior linemen included Fletcher Cox of the Philadelphia Eagles (starter), Grady Jarrett of the Atlanta Falcons, and Kenny Clark of the Green Bay Packers (replacement for Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams). Outside linebackers were Chandler Jones of the Arizona Cardinals (starter), Shaquil Barrett of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Za'Darius Smith of the Green Bay Packers (replacement for Khalil Mack of the Chicago Bears). Inside linebackers consisted of Eric Kendricks of the Minnesota Vikings (replacement for Bobby Wagner of the Seattle Seahawks) and Jaylon Smith of the Dallas Cowboys (replacement for Luke Kuechly of the Carolina Panthers). Cornerbacks included Marshon Lattimore of the New Orleans Saints (starter), Darius Slay of the Detroit Lions, Kyle Fuller of the Chicago Bears (replacement for Jalen Ramsey of the Los Angeles Rams), Xavier Rhodes of the Minnesota Vikings (replacement for Richard Sherman of the San Francisco 49ers), and Shaquill Griffin of the Seattle Seahawks (replacement addition). Free safeties were Budda Baker of the Arizona Cardinals (starter) and Eddie Jackson of the Chicago Bears. The strong safety was Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings (starter).[17][2] Special Teams The special teams group featured one punter, one kicker, one long snapper, one return specialist, and one special teamer. The punter was Tress Way of the Washington Redskins. The kicker was Wil Lutz of the New Orleans Saints. The long snapper was Rick Lovato of the Philadelphia Eagles. The return specialist was Deonte Harris of the New Orleans Saints. The special teamer was Cordarrelle Patterson of the Chicago Bears.[17]Team selections
Selections by conference
The 2020 Pro Bowl featured a total of 88 initial player selections, evenly distributed with 44 for the American Football Conference (AFC) and 44 for the National Football Conference (NFC), though final counts including replacements adjusted to 45 for the AFC and 43 for the NFC.[2] The AFC's selections were led by the Baltimore Ravens with 12 players, tying the NFL record for the most from a single team—a mark previously set by the 2007 Dallas Cowboys.[2][18] In the NFC, the New Orleans Saints paced the conference with 7 selections.[7] By position, the AFC held an advantage in offensive selections (28 compared to the NFC's 25), reflecting the conference's strength in skill positions and the line. Conversely, the NFC slightly outpaced the AFC in defensive selections (18 to 17), highlighting a balanced but competitive distribution across conferences.[2]Selections by team
The 2020 Pro Bowl selections highlighted the dominance of certain NFL teams, with the Baltimore Ravens earning a league-high 12 spots on the initial AFC roster, tying the record for the most from one team. This marked a significant representation from the Ravens, reflecting their strong 2019 season performance. The New Orleans Saints followed with 7 selections for the NFC, while the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers each had 6, underscoring key contributors from those franchises.[7][19] Selections were spread across 12 AFC teams and 11 NFC teams, leaving four AFC franchises and five NFC teams without any representatives on the initial rosters. For instance, the Buffalo Bills garnered 2 spots, the Dallas Cowboys had 3, and the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles each secured 5. In contrast, teams such as the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions recorded 0 selections, reflecting lower individual performances or voting outcomes from their 2019 campaigns.[2][7]| Conference | Team | Selections |
|---|---|---|
| AFC | Baltimore Ravens | 12 |
| AFC | Kansas City Chiefs | 6 |
| AFC | Pittsburgh Steelers | 5 |
| AFC | New England Patriots | 3 |
| AFC | Indianapolis Colts | 3 |
| AFC | Houston Texans | 3 |
| AFC | Tennessee Titans | 3 |
| AFC | Los Angeles Chargers | 3 |
| AFC | Buffalo Bills | 2 |
| AFC | Cleveland Browns | 2 |
| AFC | Oakland Raiders | 2 |
| AFC | Denver Broncos | 0 |
| AFC | Jacksonville Jaguars | 0 |
| AFC | Cincinnati Bengals | 0 |
| AFC | New York Jets | 0 |
| AFC | Miami Dolphins | 0 |
| NFC | New Orleans Saints | 7 |
| NFC | Philadelphia Eagles | 5 |
| NFC | San Francisco 49ers | 6 |
| NFC | Dallas Cowboys | 3 |
| NFC | Green Bay Packers | 3 |
| NFC | Chicago Bears | 3 |
| NFC | Minnesota Vikings | 3 |
| NFC | Carolina Panthers | 3 |
| NFC | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 3 |
| NFC | Atlanta Falcons | 2 |
| NFC | Arizona Cardinals | 2 |
| NFC | Los Angeles Rams | 2 |
| NFC | Washington Redskins | 2 |
| NFC | Seattle Seahawks | 2 |
| NFC | Detroit Lions | 0 |
| NFC | New York Giants | 0 |
Pre-game events
Pro Bowl Skills Challenge
The Pro Bowl Skills Challenge, a pre-game event highlighting the athletic talents of selected all-stars, took place on January 22, 2020, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Bay Lake, Florida.[22] This showcase served as a fan-friendly lead-in to the main Pro Bowl game scheduled a few days later at nearby Camping World Stadium, emphasizing entertainment through competitive drills that blended NFL skills with lighthearted challenges.[2] Broadcast on ESPN, the event aimed to boost viewer interest by introducing varied formats, including new competitions like Thread the Needle, to move away from traditional all-star game fatigue and highlight players' versatility beyond full-contact play.[23] Twenty players participated, with 10 selected from each conference (two quarterbacks, one running back, three wide receivers/tight ends/defensive backs, three linemen/linebackers, and one coach's choice per team), focusing on those likely to engage in the skills-based activities.[23] Notable AFC participants included Jarvis Landry, Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson, and Nick Chubb, while the NFC featured Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Davante Adams, and Christian McCaffrey.[24] The limited roster allowed for targeted matchups, promoting team conference pride while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and accessible. The competitions consisted of five head-to-head or timed events designed for broad appeal. In Precision Passing, quarterbacks and one non-quarterback per conference threw to illuminated targets within one minute to score points based on accuracy and distance; the NFC dominated with 48 points to the AFC's 17, powered by Russell Wilson's 19 points from precise long-range hits.[24] Thread the Needle followed as a defensive-passing hybrid, where quarterbacks attempted completions through moving obstacles while defensive backs tried to deflect them; the NFC edged out a 28-21 victory, again led by Wilson's 16 points on quick releases.[24] The AFC rebounded in the physical Gridiron Gauntlet, a relay race testing speed, strength, and agility through obstacles like tire runs and fumble recoveries, with Nick Chubb's explosive final sprint securing the win for his team.[24] In Best Hands, quarterback-receiver duos raced a timed course catching passes in creative styles (e.g., one-handed or diving); the AFC's Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews pair finished in 1:26.1 to claim victory over the NFC.[25] The event concluded with Epic Pro Bowl Dodgeball, a best-of-three series where the last team standing wins; the AFC prevailed thanks to Jarvis Landry's highlight-reel catch to eliminate an NFC player.[24] Overall, the AFC captured a 3-2 series win, showcasing their depth in athletic relays and team coordination.[24] The format's emphasis on fun and minimal risk helped elevate the Pro Bowl festivities, drawing positive fan reactions for its blend of competition and spectacle, though specific viewership figures were not publicly detailed beyond the ESPN telecast averaging typical off-season numbers around 2-3 million.[22]Rule modifications
The 2020 Pro Bowl introduced and continued several rule modifications designed to prioritize player safety, reduce injury risk, and improve the pace and entertainment value of the all-star game. These changes built on experimental adjustments tested in prior years, adapting elements of regular-season rules to create a more flag-football-like experience while maintaining competitive integrity.[26][27] A key modification replaced traditional kickoffs with an onside scrimmage alternative to minimize high-speed collisions. Following a successful touchdown or field goal, the scoring team could opt for a fourth-and-15 play from its own 25-yard line instead of kicking off. If the offense converted the first down, it retained possession; failure resulted in a turnover to the defense at the spot of the dead ball. This rule aimed to address the declining success rate of onside kicks in regular-season play, which had fallen below 10% in recent years, while providing an exciting possession gamble without the injury risks of kicking plays.[26][28] To facilitate more dynamic offensive schemes and reduce pre-snap penalties, a new motion rule allowed flexed eligible receivers greater freedom. A receiver aligned at least two yards outside the tackle in a two-point stance could flinch, shift position, or lift one foot off the ground—as long as the other foot remained planted—without drawing a false start penalty. Such movement did not count as illegal motion or contribute to an illegal shift infraction, enabling teams to incorporate more pre-snap deception and creativity.[28][29] Game tempo was accelerated through adjustments to the play clock. A 35-second clock was used after the ball was spotted following most plays, shorter than the standard 40 seconds, with a 20-second clock applied after certain stoppages like incomplete passes or penalties (except in the final two minutes of the second quarter or five minutes of the fourth quarter, where standard timing applied). This change, along with the clock continuing to run on incomplete passes in non-endgame situations, aimed to shorten intervals between snaps and create a faster-paced exhibition.[27] Player safety was further emphasized through restrictions on physical contact and blocking. No defensive blitzing was permitted; only defensive ends and tackles could rush the passer, and they were limited to approaching from the same side of the center as their alignment. Blocks below the waist and blindside blocks were illegal everywhere on the field, and intentional grounding by the quarterback was not penalized. These limits, combined with simplified offensive and defensive formations, encouraged touch-style tackling over full-contact hits, reducing the potential for serious injuries in a non-competitive setting.[27] Many of these modifications carried over from the 2019 Pro Bowl and earlier experiments, with the onside scrimmage alternative marking its sixth consecutive use in the event. The flexed receiver motion and refined play clock timings represented fresh tests for 2020, proposed by NFL teams like the Denver Broncos to evaluate broader adoption in regular-season play. Overall, the rules contributed to a more fluid, less violent game that highlighted skills over brute force.[27][30]Game summary
Scoring summary
The 2020 Pro Bowl, held on January 26 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, featured a high-scoring affair where the AFC rallied to defeat the NFC 38–33.[31] The game showcased numerous touchdown passes and defensive scores, reflecting the all-star format's emphasis on offensive play under modified rules that limited contact.[1]Scoring Plays
| Quarter | Time | Team | Play | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5:03 | NFC | Michael Thomas 16 yd. pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick) | 7–0 |
| 1st | 0:15 | AFC | Andre Roberts 5 yd. pass from Lamar Jackson (Justin Tucker kick) | 7–7 |
| 2nd | 11:37 | NFC | Amari Cooper 6 yd. pass from Russell Wilson (Wil Lutz kick) | 14–7 |
| 2nd | 4:35 | AFC | Mark Andrews 3 yd. pass from Lamar Jackson (Justin Tucker kick) | 14–14 |
| 2nd | 0:53 | AFC | Jack Doyle 13 yd. pass from Deshaun Watson (Justin Tucker kick) | 14–21 |
| 2nd | 0:00 | AFC | Justin Tucker 50 yd. field goal | 14–24 |
| 3rd | 7:37 | NFC | Fletcher Cox 61 yd. interception return (Wil Lutz kick) | 21–24 |
| 3rd | 2:57 | NFC | Davante Adams 13 yd. pass from Kirk Cousins (PAT blocked) | 27–24 |
| 3rd | 1:37 | AFC | D. J. Chark Jr. 60 yd. pass from Ryan Tannehill (Justin Tucker kick) | 27–31 |
| 4th | 10:29 | AFC | T. J. Watt 82 yd. fumble return (Justin Tucker kick) | 27–38 |
| 4th | 4:37 | NFC | Davante Adams 4 yd. pass from Kirk Cousins (2-pt conversion failed) | 33–38 |
Key statistics
The 2020 Pro Bowl featured a high-scoring affair where the AFC edged the NFC 38–33, with passing plays dominating the offensive output for both teams. The AFC quarterbacks completed 31 of 45 passes for 381 yards and 4 touchdowns, while the NFC completed 23 of 42 passes for 361 yards and 4 touchdowns.[31] Rushing attempts were limited, as is typical in the all-star game, with the AFC managing 20 carries for 71 yards and 0 touchdowns, compared to the NFC's 4 carries for 21 yards and 0 touchdowns.[31] Individual performances highlighted the quarterbacks' efficiency despite the casual nature of the event. Lamar Jackson of the AFC led all passers with 16 completions on 23 attempts for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns, showcasing his mobility and arm strength in limited snaps.[33] Russell Wilson of the NFC contributed with 1 touchdown pass in his snaps.[31] Defensively, the AFC generated 2 interceptions, disrupting NFC drives, while the NFC secured 1 fumble recovery that led to scoring opportunities. In tackles, Jamal Adams of the AFC paced the game with 6 stops, underscoring his playmaking ability even in a non-contact setting.[1]| Category | AFC | NFC |
|---|---|---|
| Passing (Comp/Att-Yds-TD) | 31/45-381-4 | 23/42-361-4 |
| Rushing (Car-Yds-TD) | 20-71-0 | 4-21-0 |
| Interceptions | 2 | 1 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 1 | 0 |
Starting lineups
The 2020 Pro Bowl featured starting lineups selected through a combination of fan, player, and coach voting, with the official rosters announced by the NFL on December 17, 2019. These lineups represented the top performers from each conference at the time of selection, though several adjustments were made leading up to the January 26, 2020, game due to injuries and playoff commitments from teams advancing to the Super Bowl (Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers).[2]AFC Starting Lineup
Offense
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Lamar Jackson | Baltimore Ravens |
| RB | Nick Chubb | Cleveland Browns |
| FB | Patrick Ricard | Baltimore Ravens |
| WR | DeAndre Hopkins | Houston Texans |
| WR | Keenan Allen | Los Angeles Chargers |
| TE | Travis Kelce | Kansas City Chiefs |
| LT | Ronnie Stanley | Baltimore Ravens |
| RT | Laremy Tunsil | Houston Texans |
| LG | Marshal Yanda | Baltimore Ravens |
| RG | Quenton Nelson | Indianapolis Colts |
| C | Maurkice Pouncey | Pittsburgh Steelers |
Defense
NFC Starting Lineup
Offense
Defense
In the actual game, several announced starters were unavailable, leading to replacements such as Drew Brees starting at quarterback for the NFC in place of Russell Wilson, and extensive rotations among available players to manage participation across both conferences.[1]