NFL announces skills challenges for 2025 Pro Bowl

The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will feature a relay race, dodgeball, tug-of-war and more.

Peyton Manning (AFC) and Eli Manning (NFC) are returning to coach the 2025 Pro Bowl Games this season and the NFL recently announced the skills challenges that will take place in Orlando.

In addition to a flag football game on Sunday, Feb. 2, the following challenges will happen before the game, via a press release from the NFL:

Thursday, Jan. 30:

  • Passing The Test: Quarterbacks try to hit targets at various distances around the field worth different point values in 40 seconds. Before the challenge, each quarterback will select a Pro Bowl Games teammate to answer five trivia questions about current Pro Bowl players. For every correct answer, the quarterback gets an additional 10 seconds. The winner of the competition is the team with the quarterback who scores the most points.
  • Satisfying Catches presented by SNICKERS®: One wide receiver, tight end and defensive back from each conference will compete in a challenge obstacle course, including catches from a jugs machine at three different distances, to test every aspect of catching a football. Each teammate will complete the course back-to-back with the lowest combined time winning the challenge.
  • Relay Race: A simultaneous relay-style event where four players from each conference complete a 40-yard dash before handing a football to the next athlete on their team, continuing until the fourth and final leg crosses the finish line. The conferences will compete in three rounds, with the fastest team winning.
  • Helmet Harmony: A game show to test player knowledge of their teammates, with every correct answer worth one point. The team with the most correct answers wins.
  • Dodgeball presented by Bud Light: A three-round tournament of classic dodgeball featuring six teams of five players. Teams will be a mix of AFC offensive, defensive and special teams players competing against a mix of NFC offensive, defensive and special teams players.

Sunday, Feb. 2:

  • Punt Perfect: Two players (one punter, one non-punter) from each conference punt from the 35-yard line, attempting to place as many punts as possible into a set of six buckets in the end zone. Each bucket is worth one point, with every fifth punt worth three points. The two players with the highest combined score will be the winners.
  • The Great Football Race: Six players from each conference will face off in a relay race consisting of five different challenges, culminating with a sled push. The team to cross the finish line first wins.
  • Tug-of-War: A five-on-five demonstration of teamwork, strength and strategy, and positioned above a foam pit, players are challenged to pull backwards on the rope, attempting to move the opposing team in their direction. The competition will be the best of three, and the winner who pulls the opposing team into the foam pit twice wins.

Fans can vote for the Pro Bowl through Dec. 23. The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will be held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando in February. The Denver Broncos who have two players who appear to be locks to make it.

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3 Seahawks in Top 10 positional 2025 Pro Bowl Games voting

3 Seahawks in Top 10 positional 2025 Pro Bowl Games voting

The 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games will take place in Orlando early February. The 8-6 Seattle Seahawks currently have three players within the top 10 of positional voting. The following Seahawks are receiving fan recognition to potentially participate in this year’s annual all-star event.

Julian Love (fifth overall, third in NFC)

Versatile safety Julian Love has been his usual consistent self for Mike Macdonald’s defense this season. The former Notre Dame standout has recorded a team-high 96 tackles, eight pass breakups, and two interceptions this year. Love is versatile, playing both near the line of scrimmage, and on the back-end. He’s attempting to make his second consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.

Coby Bryant (10th overall, seventh in NFC)

Coby Bryant has emerged as an unlikely difference-maker for Aden Durde’s secondary throughout the 2024 campaign. The ex Cincinnati Bearcat began the season playing one total defensive snap in Seattle’s opening two contests. Injuries and improved play have made him a lineup mainstay since Week 7 forward. Bryant has three interceptions, five PBUs, and a defensive TD this season.

Leonard Williams (fifth overall, third in NFC)

Dominant defensive linemen Leonard Williams certainly deserves to make his second career Pro Bowl appearance. Williams has seven sacks in 13 regular-season appearances. The Seahawks don’t regret acquiring him from the New York Giants in 2023 in exchange for second-and-fifth-round picks.

Vote for Seahawks players here.

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Pro Bowl fan voting update is good news for 2 Broncos players

Pat Surtain and Nik Bonitto are on pace to make the Pro Bowl, but other Broncos players need your vote.

Fan voting for the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games opened three weeks ago and we have received our third round of voting updates. The Denver Broncos have 11 players in the top ten at their respective positions after the third wave of voting.

  • Pat Surtain: 2nd-most votes at cornerback (2nd in AFC)
  • Nik Bonitto: 2nd-most votes at outside linebacker (2nd in AFC)
  • Riley Dixon: 5th-most votes at punter (3rd in AFC)
  • Wil Lutz: 6th-most votes at kicker (4th in AFC)
  • Michael Burton: 6th-most votes at fullback (4th in AFC)
  • Zach Allen: 8th-most votes at defensive tackle (4th-most in the AFC)
  • Marvin Mims: 10th-most votes at returner (4th in AFC)
  • Brandon Jones: 10th-most votes at strong safety (5th in AFC)
  • Bo Nix: 10th-most votes at quarterback (5th in AFC)
  • Mitchel Frabroni: 10th-most votes at long snapper (5th in AFC)
  • Tremon Smith: 10th-most votes on special teams (5th in AFC)

Snubs in the top ten include guard Quinn Meinerz and defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers. Both players could make up ground when players and coaches add their votes later this month.

Surtain and Bonitto appear to be locks to make it, but the rest of Denver’s players in the top ten might be contending for alternate spots. Allen will presumably make up ground when players and coaches vote.

Fans can vote for the Pro Bowl through Dec. 23. The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will be held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Feb. 2.

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Key injuries on Chiefs OL are bad news for Patrick Mahomes

Two key injuries on the #Chiefs OL are bad news for Patrick Mahomes heading into Kansas City’s Week 15 matchup against the #Browns.

The Kansas City Chiefs may be without veteran offensive lineman D.J. Humphries in Week 15 after he suffered a hamstring injury in the defending Super Bowl champions’ matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Kansas City signed Humphries in November to bolster their offensive line after poor showings from left tackles Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia.

Humphries made his first start of the season against the Chargers in Week 14, but he didn’t make a massive difference for Patrick Mahomes, who was sacked three times in the game.

Humphries hasn’t practiced since he was injured on Sunday and may have to miss the Chiefs’ Week 15 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

Starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor was also listed on Kansas City’s injury report as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, but he returned to full participation in drills on Thursday and is likely to be available in Week 15.

However, if Taylor is unable to play against Cleveland, the Chiefs could face the Browns with backups on both ends of their offensive line.

In Humphries’ absence, Morris would likely be forced back into the starting spot at left tackle, which could spell disaster for Mahomes against Cleveland’s outstanding pass rush, which is headlined by reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.

Should Taylor miss the game, rookie tackle Ethan Driskell would fill in for the former Florida Gator.

Expect Andy Reid to get creative to ensure Mahomes has adequate protection on Sunday.

Pro Bowl fan voting update is good news for several Broncos players

Pat Surtain and Nik Bonitto are on pace to make the Pro Bowl, but other Broncos players need your vote.

Fan voting for the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games opened two weeks and we have received our second round of voting updates. The Denver Broncos have 11 players in the top ten at their respective positions after the second wave of voting.

  • Pat Surtain: 2nd-most votes at cornerback (2nd in AFC)
  • Nik Bonitto: 2nd-most votes at outside linebacker (2nd in AFC)
  • Brandon Jones: 6th-most votes at strong safety (4th in AFC)
  • Wil Lutz: 6th-most votes at kicker (4th in AFC)
  • Michael Burton: 6th-most votes at fullback (4th in AFC)
  • Riley Dixon: 6th-most votes at punter (4th in AFC)
  • Zach Allen: 8th-most votes at defensive tackle (4th-most in the AFC)
  • Bo Nix: 9th-most votes at quarterback (5th in AFC)
  • Marvin Mims: 10th-most votes at returner (4th in AFC)
  • Mitchel Frabroni: 10th-most votes at long snapper (5th in AFC)
  • Tremon Smith: 10th-most votes on special teams (5th in AFC)

Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers dropped out of the top 10 this week after ranking 10th last week (6th in the AFC). Denver guard Quinn Meinerz has been a massive snub in fan voting, but he should make up ground when players and coaches vote later this month.

Right now, Surtain and Bonitto seem like locks to make it and several players — including Allen — are on track for at least an alternate nod. With double-digit players in the top ten in fan voting, the Broncos should have multiple players in Orlando.

Fans can vote for the Pro Bowl through Dec. 23. The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will be held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Feb. 2.

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Chiefs newcomer ranks top-five in rookie Pro Bowl voting

The Kansas City #Chiefs have a standout newcomer who is currently in the top-five in Pro Bowl votes among rookies.

The Kansas City Chiefs have a handful of players who could see the Pro Bowl this year, but one unlikely player has found himself among the league leaders in rookie Pro Bowl voting.

Chiefs fullback Carson Steele made a name for himself during the 2024 preseason, where he tallied 149 total yards in three games.

Steele quickly became a fan favorite in Kansas City and found himself on the active roster for the reigning Super Bowl champions as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA.

Though the former Bruin hasn’t seen much playing time this season, fans across the country have taken notice of the up-and-comer in this year’s Pro Bowl voting.

On Friday, the NFL tweeted their list of the top-five rookie vote-getters, with Steele coming in third behind quarterback Jayden Daniels and tight end Brock Bowers.

Chiefs Kingdom can propel Steele to his first Pro Bowl by visiting ProBowl.com/vote or on Twitter with the hashtag #ProBowlVote alongside his official Twitter handle (@CarstonSteele30).

Which rookie is closest to Jayden Daniels in Pro Bowl voting?

Daniels leads all rookies in Pro Bowl voting. His closest competition is not a quarterback.

This week, the NFL revealed the first results of fan voting for the 2025 Pro Bowl. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson led the way, which was no surprise. Rounding out the top five was Ravens running back Derrick Henry, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Lions running Jahmyr Gibbs.

Washington Commanders rookie sensation Jayden Daniels was the top-ranked quarterback in the NFC. Daniels, the favorite for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, has Washington in playoff contention, only one year after the franchise finished 4-13.

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is Daniels’ biggest competition for the Rookie of the Year award. However, Nix is way behind Daniels in Pro Bowl voting.

The closest rookie to Daniels? Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. The No. 13 overall pick from the 2024 NFL draft, Bowers is already one of the NFL’s top tight ends, with 84 receptions, 884 yards and four touchdowns.

In a normal year, Bowers would have the NFL OROY award locked up. However, with multiple top quarterback prospects in the same rookie class, Bowers likely has no chance at the award.

However, the Pro Bowl is another story. Bowers is on pace for over 100 receptions, making him only the fourth rookie in NFL history with over 100 receptions. Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua set a new record with 105 receptions last season.

Legendary Steelers defender returning to Pittsburgh for Week 14 tailgate experience

Steelers legend Casey Hampton is returning to Pittsburgh for the Week 14 Terrible Tailgate ahead of the matchup with the Browns.

Steelers fans, rejoice! One of the foundational pieces of the tough 2000s Pittsburgh Steelers defense is heading back to the Steel City to have fun with fans ahead of the exciting Week 14 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Fans can look forward to partying at the Terrible Tailgate on December 8th with none other than the legendary nose tackle Casey Hampton.

Hampton was the cornerstone of an elite Steelers defense from the mid-2000s to early 2010s, helping the team secure their fifth and sixth Lombardi trophies—Super Bowl XL and XLIII.

‘Big Snack’, as fans loved to refer to him as, was not only selected to five Pro Bowls but also named a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team back in 2007, as well as entering the Steelers Hall of Honor in 2024.

Hanging out with fellow Pittsburgh Steelers fans always seems like a great time, but the opportunity to meet ‘Big Snack’ Casey Hampton before the big Week 14 matchup is a once-in-life-time moment.

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Former Notre Dame running back is Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee

Congrats, Kyren!

Former Notre Dame running back [autotag]Kyren Williams[/autotag] has done well in his three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. He made the Pro Bowl last year and is closing in on his second straight 1,000-yard season.

But Williams also has given a lot back to the community since he joined the NFL, and the Rams decided it was time for him to be recognized for that. Specifically, he has been selected as their 2024 nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year.

The Rams chose to reveal this news to Williams in a very personal way. They invited team legend Steven Jackson to do the honors during a team meeting. The screen at the front of the room showed a photo of a younger Williams posing with Jackson while the team was based in St. Louis, where Williams grew up. Jackson felt it appropriate to gift his fellow running back with a pair of cleats.

Here’s how it all went down:

Congratulations to Williams, and here’s hoping he can add to his trophy case.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on X: @gfclark89

2 Cardinals players among positional leaders in Pro Bowl fan voting

The Cardinals only have two players in the top 10 of Pro Bowl fan voting at their positions.

The NFL released the first results of fan voting for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games. We know that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has received the most fan votes.

We know that Arizona Cardinals have one of the leaders in fan voting, as Budda Baker leads all strong safeties in the NFC in fan voting.

The team has a total of two players who are in the top 10 in fan voting for their positions.

Baker is No. 2 overall at strong safety behind Baltimore’s Kyle Hamilton.

The other is tight end Trey McBride, who is No. 4 among all tight ends. He trails San Francisco’s George Kittle, Las Vegas’ Brock Bowers and Kansas City’s Travis Kelce.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on SpotifyYouTube or Apple podcasts.