How does the NFL Pro Bowl work in 2021? Everything to know about virtual Madden game

Jordan Heck

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How does the NFL Pro Bowl work in 2021? Everything to know about virtual Madden game image

The NFL Pro Bowl was called off this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the league got a little creative with its workaround. 

Instead of airing the traditional Pro Bowl, a virtual version of the game will be aired this weekend. Some current and former NFL players, along with celebrities, will be competing with Pro Bowl rosters in the "Madden NFL 21" video game.

"Even amidst unparalleled change across the sports industry, we are excited to transition many of the signature components of the Pro Bowl — which will go virtual in Madden NFL 21 — into a new innovative experience for our players and fans," NFL executive vice president of club business and events Peter O'Reilly said in a statement.

MORE: Why is there no Pro Bowl this year?

So how exactly does this work? We'll explain below what you can expect from the virtual Pro Bowl in 2021.

When is the 2021 NFL Pro Bowl?

  • Sunday, Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. EST

The virtual NFL Pro Bowl will be held in place of the game on Sunday, Jan. 5. The replacement "Madden NFL 21" 

How to watch the 2021 NFL Pro Bowl

The 2021 NFL Pro Bowl will be available to watch in a number of ways. You can watch through the EA Madden NFL Twitch channel, embedded above, as well as the NFL's YouTube, Twitter and Facebook platforms. The game will also be streamed on NFL Network.

In addition, streamers Ninja, FaZe Swagg, AustinShow and AMP will have the game available on their respective Twitch channels as a watch party.

Charissa Thompson and Michael Strahan will be hosting the event.

How is the Pro Bowl going to work this year?

The 2021 NFL Pro Bowl will be virtual, with eight players and celebrities competing against one another using the video game "Madden 21." Four people will control the NFC while another four control the AFC, both being the full rosters as selected. Deshaun Watson and Kyler Murray have been named as "Team Leads" as they are each Pro Bowl players this season. The players will be playing the game from their homes, and will play one five-minute quarter of the game.

It was not announced which participants would be playing each quarter. It's also not clear if the teams will get everyone involved like in a traditional Pro Bowl, or if it will pretty much just be the starters playing. EA Sports has a feature in its preseason for franchise mode that automatically subs in backups, so it's certainly possible to apply that to the Pro Bowl.

AFC competitors

  • Snoop Dogg
  • Deshaun Watson
  • Derrick Henry
  • Keyshawn Johnson

NFC competitors

  • Bubba Wallace
  • Marshawn Lynch
  • Kyler Murray
  • Jamal Adams

AFC Pro Bowl roster

Position Player Team
QB Patrick Mahomes Chiefs
QB Josh Allen Bills
QB Deshaun Watson Texans
RB Derrick Henry Titans
RB Nick Chubb Browns
RB Josh Jacobs Raiders
WR Tyreek Hill Chiefs
WR Stefon Diggs Bills
WR Keenan Allen Chargers
WR A.J. Brown Titans
TE Travis Kelce Chiefs
TE Darren Waller Raiders
FB Patrick Ricard Ravens
T Laremy Tunsil Texans
T Eric Fisher Chiefs
T Orlando Brown Ravens
G Quenton Nelson Colts
G Joel Bitonio Browns
G David DeCastro Steelers
C Maurkice Pouncey Steelers
C Ryan Kelly Colts
DE Myles Garrett Browns
DE Joey Bosa Chargers
DE Frank Clark Chiefs
DT Chris Jones Chiefs
DT Cameron Heyward Steelers
DT Calais Campbell Ravens
OLB T.J. Watt Steelers
OLB Bradley Chubb Broncos
OLB Matt Judon Ravens
ILB Darius Leonard Colts
ILB Tremaine Edmunds Bills
CB Xavien Howard Dolphins
CB Tre'Davious White Bills
CB Marlon Humphrey Ravens
CB Stephon Gilmore Patriots
FS Minkah Fitzpatrick Steelers
FS Justin Simmons Broncos
SS Tyrann Mathieu Chiefs
LS Morgan Cox Ravens
P Jake Bailey Patriots
K Justin Tucker Ravens
RS Andre Roberts Bills
ST Matthew Slater Patriots

Bold: Starter

NFC Pro Bowl roster

Position Player Team
QB Aaron Rodgers Packers
QB Russell Wilson Seahawks
QB Kyler Murray Cardinals
RB Dalvin Cook Vikings
RB Alvin Kamara Saints
RB Aaron Jones Packers
WR Davante Adams Packers
WR DeAndre Hopkins Cardinals
WR DK Metcalf Seahawks
WR Justin Jefferson Vikings
TE T.J. Hockenson Lions
TE Evan Engram Giants
FB Kyle Juszczyk 49ers
T David Bakhtiari Packers
T Trent Williams 49ers
T Terron Armstead Saints
G Brandon Scherff Washington
G Elgton Jenkins Packers
G Andrus Peat Saints
C Jason Kelce Eagles
C Frank Ragnow Lions
DE Cameron Jordan Saints
DE Brandon Graham Eagles
DE Chase Young Washington
DT Aaron Donald Rams
DT Fletcher Cox Eagles
DT Grady Jarrett Falcons
OLB Khalil Mack Bears
OLB Za'Darius Smith Packers
OLB Jason Pierre-Paul Buccaneers
ILB Bobby Wagner Seahawks
ILB Fred Warner 49ers
CB Jalen Ramsey Rams
CB Jaire Alexander Packers
CB Marshon Lattimore Saints
CB James Bradberry Giants
FS Quandre Diggs Seahawks
SS Budda Baker Cardinals
SS Jamal Adams Seahawks
LS Tyler Ott Seahawks
P Jack Fox Lions
K Younghoe Koo Falcons
RS Cordarrelle Patterson Bears
ST Nick Bellore Seahawks

Jordan Heck

Jordan Heck Photo

Jordan Heck is a Social Media Producer at Sporting News. Before working here, he was a Digital Content Producer at The Indianapolis Star. He graduated with a degree from Indiana University.