SAN FRANCISCO — The vibe at the Moscone Center wasn’t just “exhibition energy”—it was a glimpse into the future of the sport. Jalen Hurts and the NFC all-stars lit up the scoreboard Tuesday night, dropping the AFC 66-52 in a flag football showdown that felt less like a playful scrimmage and more like a warning shot for the 2028 Olympics.
Hurts, Prescott & The NFC Air Raid
While the game lacked pads, it didn’t lack pride. Jalen Hurts commanded the field, tossing three touchdowns and navigating the pocket with the same intensity that led the Eagles deep into the playoffs. Dak Prescott joined the party wearing a bucket hat but playing with laser focus, threading the needle for four touchdowns. Jared Goff added two more strikes, ensuring the NFC offense never took its foot off the gas.
The night wasn’t just about the veterans. The sold-out crowd of 3,100 at the Moscone Center—a rare indoor venue for the event—saw the hometown legends take charge. 49ers icons Jerry Rice and Steve Young patrolled the sidelines as head coaches, bringing a combined 20 Pro Bowl selections worth of wisdom to the huddle.
Rookie Watch: Shedeur Sanders Steps Up
With Patriots quarterback Drake Maye busy prepping for Sunday’s Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium, the AFC turned to rookie sensation Shedeur Sanders. The Browns’ young gunslinger didn’t flinch. Stepping in as a late replacement, Sanders threw for 152 yards and two touchdowns, including a highlight-reel grab by Broncos tackle Garrett Bolles. It was a chaotic, fun moment that captured the spirit of the night.
“It is like being a kid again but it also turns competitive with everything’s that at stake. Even with the (2028) Olympics, there’s a lot of guys that have a great passion to go out there and represent.” — Jalen Hurts, Eagles Quarterback
Bengals Bring the Fireworks
Despite the loss, the Cincinnati Bengals made the highlight reel their personal property. Joe Burrow cooked up a trick play with Dolphins speedster De’Von Achane, resulting in a score where Burrow got credited for both passing and receiving. But the play of the night belonged to Ja’Marr Chase. Flipping to defense, Chase snagged a one-handed interception off Jared Goff and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown, proving elite ball skills translate anywhere on the field.
Super Bowl Implications
This electric showcase sets the stage for the main event. With the Pro Bowl moving to Super Bowl week for the first time, the energy in the Bay Area is already peaking. All eyes now shift to Santa Clara, where Drake Maye and the Patriots will try to finish their Cinderella run. If Tuesday night was the appetizer, Sunday is going to be a feast.
