2017 Pro Bowl Explained
The 2017 Pro Bowl (branded as the 2017 Pro Bowl presented by Aquafina for sponsorship reasons) was the National Football League's all-star game for the 2016 season, which was played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on January 29, 2017. The game was the first in a three-year deal to host the Pro Bowl in Orlando, which also included cross-promotional events (such as a newly established skills competition) held at the Walt Disney World Resort (which is owned by the primary parent company of the game's broadcaster, ESPN).
After three years of using a draft format, the 2017 Pro Bowl returned to the previous conference-based format, played between all-star teams representing the American Football Conference and National Football Conference. The AFC all-stars were coached by Andy Reid, and the NFC all-stars were coached by Jason Garrett.
Background
Host selection process
At least five locations were in contention to host the 2017 Pro Bowl, with four submitting formal bids.[2]
- Aloha Stadium in Hawaii, the site of the Pro Bowl from 1980 to 2009, 2011–2014, and 2016.
- NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, the site of Super Bowl LI.
- Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, where Pro Bowl rightsholder ESPN has operations at Walt Disney World.
- An unidentified stadium in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The stadium, which had recently been renovated for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, was discussed as a potential hosting site for the event, but Brazil ultimately declined to place a bid.[3]
On June 1, 2016, the NFL announced that it had awarded the next three Pro Bowl games to Orlando.[4]
Side events
Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the 2017 Pro Bowl would be a "week-long celebration for football and our fans"; a number of family-oriented side events was held at the Walt Disney World Resort and its ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, including practices, a 5K run, youth events, and player appearances.
On December 12, 2016, the NFL announced that it would hold a series of skills competitions during Pro Bowl week at the Wide World of Sports Complex, known as the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown.[5]
Game format
On June 1, 2016, the NFL confirmed that the Pro Bowl would return to its previous, conference-based format for 2017, after three years of using a draft-based format with players selected by designated captains.[6] The captains were former NFL players Jerome Bettis, Tony Gonzalez, Ray Lewis, and Charles Woodson.
Rule changes
The game format was nearly the same for 2017 as it had been in 2016, with some exceptions:
- Forty-four players were assigned to each team, up from 43 in 2016 (a regular game-day active roster has 46).
- The two-minute warning that was given in the first and third quarters (in addition to the second and fourth quarters) in previous years was eliminated, and the ball did not change hands after the first and third quarters.
- The coin toss determined which team was awarded possession first. There were no kickoffs; the ball was placed on the 25-yard line at the start of each half and after scoring plays.
- Defenses were now permitted to play cover two and press coverage. Prior to 2014, only man coverage was allowed, except for goal line situations.
- A 38-second/25-second play clock was used instead of the usual 40-second/25-second clock, and up from 35-second/25-second clock in 2016.
- Replay reviews will be allowed; previously there was replay in the Pro Bowl only when new equipment tests were being conducted.
- There are no intentional grounding rules.
- Only defensive ends and tackles may rush on passing plays, but those must be on the same side of the ball. The defense is not permitted to blitz.
- All blindside blocks and blocks below the waist are illegal.
- A tight end and running back must be in every formation.
- No more than two wide receivers on either side of the ball.
- Deep middle safety must be aligned inside the hash marks.
Summary
Box score
AFC rosters
The following players were selected to represent the AFC:
Offense
| Position | Starter(s) | Reserve(s) | Alternate(s) |
|---|
| Quarterback | Tom Brady, New England | Derek Carr, Oakland
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh | Alex Smith, Kansas City[7]
Andy Dalton, Cincinnati[8]
Philip Rivers, San Diego[9] |
| Running back | Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh[10] | LeSean McCoy, Buffalo
DeMarco Murray, Tennessee | Jay Ajayi, Miami[11]
Melvin Gordon, San Diego |
| Fullback | Kyle Juszczyk, Baltimore | | |
| Wide receiver | Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh
Amari Cooper, Oakland | T. Y. Hilton, Indianapolis
A. J. Green, Cincinnati | Emmanuel Sanders, Denver[12]
Jarvis Landry, Miami
Demaryius Thomas, Denver[13] |
| Tight end | Travis Kelce, Kansas City | Delanie Walker, Tennessee | |
| Offensive tackle | Donald Penn, Oakland
Joe Thomas, Cleveland | Taylor Lewan, Tennessee | Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati[14] |
| Offensive guard | Kelechi Osemele, Oakland
Marshal Yanda, Baltimore | David DeCastro, Pittsburgh | Richie Incognito, Buffalo[15] |
| Center | Rodney Hudson, Oakland | Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh[16] | Jeremy Zuttah, Baltimore |
|
Defense
| Position | Starter(s) | Reserve(s) | Alternate(s) |
|---|
| Defensive end | Khalil Mack, Oakland
Cameron Wake, Miami | 90 Jadeveon Clowney, Houston | Leonard Williams, NY Jets[17]
Carlos Dunlap, Cincinnati[18] |
| Defensive tackle | Ndamukong Suh, Miami[19]
Geno Atkins, Cincinnati | 99 Jurrell Casey, Tennessee | 95 Kyle Williams, Buffalo |
| Outside linebacker | Lorenzo Alexander, Buffalo
Von Miller, Denver | | |
| Inside linebacker | Dont'a Hightower, New England | C. J. Mosley, Baltimore[20] | Zach Brown, Buffalo[21]
Ryan Shazier, Pittsburgh |
| Cornerback | Aqib Talib, Denver
Marcus Peters, Kansas City[22] | Chris Harris Jr., Denver
Casey Hayward, San Diego | Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo[23] |
| Free safety | Devin McCourty, New England | | Eric Weddle, Baltimore[24] |
| Strong safety | Eric Berry, Kansas City | | Darian Stewart, Denver[25] | |
Special teams
NFC rosters
The following players were selected to represent the NFC:
Offense
| Position | Starter(s) | Reserve(s) | Alternate(s) |
|---|
| Quarterback | Matt Ryan, Atlanta | Dak Prescott, Dallas
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay | Kirk Cousins, Washington[28]
Drew Brees, New Orleans[29] |
| Running back | Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas | Devonta Freeman, Atlanta
David Johnson, Arizona | Jordan Howard, Chicago[30]
Darren Sproles, Philadelphia |
| Fullback | Mike Tolbert, Carolina | | |
| Wide receiver | Julio Jones, Atlanta
Odell Beckham Jr., NY Giants | Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay | Dez Bryant, Dallas[31]
Doug Baldwin, Seattle[32] |
| Tight end | Greg Olsen, Carolina | Jordan Reed, Washington | Jimmy Graham, Seattle |
| Offensive tackle | Trent Williams, Washington
Tyron Smith, Dallas | Jason Peters, Philadelphia | David Bakhtiari, Green Bay[33] |
| Offensive guard | | T. J. Lang, Green Bay | Trai Turner, Carolina[34]
Josh Sitton, Chicago[35] |
| Center | Travis Frederick, Dallas | Alex Mack, Atlanta | Jason Kelce, Philadelphia[36] | |
Defense
| Position | Starter(s) | Reserve(s) | Alternate(s) |
|---|
| Defensive end | Cliff Avril, Seattle
Everson Griffen, Minnesota | Michael Bennett, Seattle | |
| Defensive tackle | Gerald McCoy, Tampa Bay
Aaron Donald, Los Angeles | Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia | Linval Joseph, Minnesota[37] |
| Outside linebacker | Vic Beasley, Atlanta
Ryan Kerrigan, Washington | Thomas Davis Sr., Carolina | K. J. Wright, Seattle[38]
Anthony Barr, Minnesota[39] |
| Inside linebacker | Bobby Wagner, Seattle | Luke Kuechly, Carolina[40] | Sean Lee, Dallas |
| Cornerback | Janoris Jenkins, NY Giants
Patrick Peterson, Arizona | | |
| Free safety | Harrison Smith, Minnesota | Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Green Bay | |
| Strong safety | Landon Collins, NY Giants | | | |
Special teams
Notes:
bold player who participated in game
Replacement selection due to injury or vacancy
Injured player; selected but will not play
Replacement starter; selected as reserve
Selected but did not play because his team advanced to Super Bowl LI (see Pro Bowl "Player Selection" section)
Players must have accepted their invitations as alternates to be listed; those who declined, such as Tyrod Taylor, are not considered Pro Bowlers
Number of selections per team
American Football Conference| Team | Selections |
|---|
| 7 | | 7 | | 7 | | 6 | | 6 | | 6 | | 5 | | 5 | | 4 | | 4 | | 3 | | 2 | | 1 | | 1 | | 1 | | 0 | | | National Football Conference| Team | Selections |
|---|
| 7 | | 7 | | 6 | | 6 | | 5 | | 5 | | 4 | | 4 | | 4 | | 3 | | 3 | | 2 | | 2 | | 1 | | 1 | | 0 | | | |
Broadcasting
The game was televised nationally by ESPN and broadcast via radio by Westwood One.
External links
Notes and References
- http://www.footballzebras.com/2017/01/17/jerome-boger-selected-as-2017-pro-bowl-referee/ Jerome Boger selected as 2017 Pro Bowl referee.
- Soshnick, Scott (May 19, 2016). The NFL Pro Bowl Is Moving to Orlando. Bloomberg. Retrieved May 19, 2016.
- Web site: NFL considering Brazil to host 2017 Pro Bowl. Marvez. Alex. Fox Sports. March 23, 2015. March 23, 2015.
- Web site: NFL's Pro Bowl moves to Orlando. Chicago Tribune. Tronc, Inc.. December 13, 2016.
- Web site: The NFL is getting wild, adds dodgeball and other events to Pro Bowl week. CBSSports.com. December 13, 2016.
- Web site: Orlando Pro Bowl returning to AFC-NFC format in 2017. NFL.com. December 13, 2016.
- Web site: Alex Smith, Dustin Colquitt add to number of Chiefs in Pro Bowl. Alper, Josh. ProFootballTalk.NBCSports.com. January 17, 2017.
- Web site: Dalton replaces Brady in Pro Bowl. January 23, 2017.
- Web site: Philip Rivers Named to 2017 Pro Bowl. January 23, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170201173752/http://www.chargers.com/news/2017/01/24/philip-rivers-named-2017-pro-bowl. February 1, 2017. dead.
- Web site: Melvin Gordon added to Pro Bowl. Jackson, Zac. ProFootballTalk.NBCSports.com. January 23, 2017.
- Web site: Dolphins Ajayi And Landry Named To Pro Bowl . miamidolphins.com . January 10, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170113144822/http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/Dolphins-Ajayi-And-Landry-Named-To-Pro-Bowl/3d130ce5-898d-4697-b74b-ce8c3111b31d . January 13, 2017 . dead .
- Web site: Emmanuel Sanders named to Pro Bowl . denverbroncos.com . January 18, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170119064018/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Emmanuel-Sanders-named-to-Pro-Bowl/581697be-aa05-4f38-b4ea-a46f581d1e2a . January 19, 2017 . dead .
- Web site: Demaryius Thomas named to 2017 Pro Bowl . denverbroncos.com . January 23, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170127040128/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Demaryius-Thomas-named-to-2017-Pro-Bowl/16cd5f5c-e54a-41f9-8971-d0d632e71f55 . January 27, 2017 . dead . mdy-all .
- Web site: Andrew Whitworth named to Pro Bowl . nbcsports.com . January 18, 2017.
- Web site: Richie Incognito named to second straight Pro Bowl . NBCSports.com . January 12, 2017.
- Web site: Center Jeremy Zuttah Added to Pro Bowl . BaltimoreRavens.com . January 23, 2017.
- Web site: DL Leonard Williams Is Headed to the Pro Bowl. January 12, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170113014400/http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-7/DL-Leonard-Williams-Is-Headed-to-the-Pro-Bowl/fe9692e6-d6f2-402e-a221-e728973d5d00. January 13, 2017. dead.
- Web site: Dunlap Named AFC Pro Bowl Team . bengals.com . January 17, 2017 .
- Web site: Bills DT Kyle Williams named to Pro Bowl. BuffaloBills.com. January 20, 2017. January 20, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170121115546/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-DT-Kyle-Williams-named-to-Pro-Bowl/174b5cb0-b8e7-4a90-a752-8c4178fe3df6. January 21, 2017. dead.
- Web site: Shazier named to Pro Bowl. Varley, Teresa. Steelers.com. January 23, 2017. January 24, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170126163134/http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Shazier-named-to-Pro-Bowl/091ad228-3188-41d8-8d33-264fb8ffa089. January 26, 2017. dead.
- Web site: Buffalo Bills linebacker Zach Brown earns 2017 Pro Bowl nod . buffalorumblings.com . January 23, 2017.
- Web site: Chiefs' Marcus Peters to miss Pro Bowl . TheKansasCityStar . January 27, 2017.
- Web site: Bills CB Stephon Gilmore named to Pro Bowl . BuffaloBills.com . January 23, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170126021508/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-CB-Stephon-Gilmore-named-to-Pro-Bowl/d2169a17-16c1-47ee-aebf-3025578bd4c3 . January 26, 2017 . dead .
- Web site: Eric Weddle Added To Pro Bowl Roster . baltimoreravens.com . January 23, 2017.
- Web site: Darian Stewart named to 2017 NFL Pro Bowl . denverbroncos.com . January 17, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170118164921/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Darian-Stewart-named-to-2017-NFL-Pro-Bowl/faa37db8-2ee9-4d47-a36c-7bc947cc1815 . January 18, 2017 . dead .
- Web site: Pat McAfee to skip Pro Bowl with surgery looming . indystar.co . January 14, 2017.
- Web site: D.J. Alexander added to 2017 Pro Bowl . foxsports.com . January 23, 2017.
- Web site: Kirk Cousins to replace Aaron Rodgers in the Pro Bowl. WashingtonPost.com. January 24, 2017.
- Web site: Drew Brees named to Pro Bowl squad . neworleanssaints.com . January 23, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170126193417/http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/Drew-Brees-named-to-Pro-Bowl-squad/a8b7c93c-4f51-4c67-b3cb-bb2d0380474c . January 26, 2017 . dead .
- Web site: Jordan Howard will replace David Johnson in the Pro Bowl. January 12, 2017.
- Web site: Dez Bryant Named To Third Pro Bowl As Julio Jones' Replacement. DallasCowboys.com. January 23, 2017.
- News: Seahawks Receiver Doug Baldwin Named to NFC Pro Bowl Team. Boyle. John. January 23, 2017. January 23, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170124114546/http://www.seahawks.com/news/2017/01/23/seahawks-receiver-doug-baldwin-named-nfc-pro-bowl-team. January 24, 2017. dead.
- Web site: Packers’ David Bakhtiari named to first Pro Bowl. January 23, 2017.
- Web site: Trai Turner named to 2017 Pro Bowl. January 18, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170123182715/http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Trai-Turner-named-to-2017-Pro-Bowl/862dfb9f-38ff-4f4d-9357-2af16b40b23d. January 23, 2017. dead.
- Web site: Josh Sitton named to Pro Bowl. January 23, 2017.
- Web site: Jason Kelce, Darren Sproles Added To Pro Bowl. January 23, 2017.
- Web site: Linval Joseph Selected To First Career Pro Bowl. January 12, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170123182716/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Linval-Joseph-Selected-To-First-Career-Pro-Bowl/c4698055-bd44-4fad-a341-2ae3128729e2. January 23, 2017. dead.
- Web site: Seahawks Jimmy Graham and K.J. Wright added to NFC Pro Bowl team . seattletimes.com . January 17, 2017.
- Web site: Anthony Barr Named To Second Career Pro Bowl . vikings.com . January 23, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170125181946/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Anthony-Barr-Named-To-Second-Career-Pro-Bowl/66ec8456-1ce8-4e3b-a14f-09424a16037c . January 25, 2017 . dead .
- Web site: Sean Lee Added To Pro Bowl Roster As An Alternate; Cowboys Now Have 6. Helman, David. DallasCowboys.com. January 17, 2017.
- Web site: Lions K Matt Prater named to 2017 Pro Bowl. DetroitLions.com. January 23, 2017. January 23, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170127231736/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/news-short/article-1/Lions-K-Matt-Prater-named-to-2017-Pro-Bowl/4612dae8-d2d6-4885-a165-039cc1d6cf92. January 27, 2017. dead.
- Web site: LS Jake McQuaide Named to 2017 Pro Bowl. TheRams.com. January 18, 2017. January 19, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170123182720/http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/LS-Jake-McQuaide-Named-to-2017-Pro-Bowl/7a8978ae-a5dd-41b7-a832-3ef73a287909. January 23, 2017. dead.
