With the Olympic flag football event just a few short years away, it's becoming increasingly apparent that the U.S. team would be wise to consider adding a former LSU receiver to its roster. The 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games served as a showcase for a few standout ex-Tigers, who made their mark in the flag football contest that capped off the NFC's third consecutive victory over the AFC. The final score was a thrilling 76-63, and it was clear that the LSU alumni were a driving force behind the NFC's success.
The game featured four former LSU stars, and they truly shone on the field. Malik Nabers, a rookie for the New York Giants, was one of the key contributors, scoring twice for the NFC. His performance included five receptions for 62 yards. Minnesota’s own Justin Jefferson also made his presence known, catching six passes for 46 yards, including a touchdown. It was a truly exciting display of athleticism from both players, and Jefferson couldn’t have been prouder of his team’s performance. "We’re on top for sure," he said with confidence. "It is definitely great to see the guys having fun out here, scoring touchdowns, just making big plays. That’s what we normally do, so it’s good to see us coming out here and doing the same thing."
The NFC's dominance was further cemented by their stellar defensive plays, which helped them secure the victory. Arizona's Budda Baker and Minnesota’s Byron Murphy each returned interceptions for touchdowns, turning what might have been a close game into a definitive win. Coach Eli Manning, leading the NFC, celebrated his third consecutive win over his older brother Peyton, who was coaching the AFC.
The NFC’s strong performance was no surprise, considering the high level of talent on display. Jared Goff, coming off a near-perfect performance in Thursday’s skills competition, completed 10 of 11 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns. His performance was instrumental in giving the NFC an early lead. Goff's precise throws and ability to read the defense made him an easy pick for MVP honors, alongside Byron Murphy, whose defensive work helped seal the game.
Tampa Bay's Baker Mayfield also got in on the action, completing eight passes for three touchdowns. One of his most notable connections was with Nabers, who continued to prove that he could handle the big stage. In fact, it was the LSU guys who seemed to make the biggest impact in a game that otherwise lacked a lot of drama. Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals scored three touchdowns for the AFC, including a 45-yard reception from Russell Wilson. And Jacksonville’s Brian Thomas Jr. also contributed with two touchdowns. After his third touchdown, Chase celebrated in true college style, performing a backflip followed by "the Griddy," a dance popularized by none other than his former LSU teammate, Jefferson.
The NFC took an early 14-7 lead after dominating six skills competitions, which offered up to three points each. The NFC extended their lead by taking the "Great Football Race" and continuing to showcase their strength in the Sunday tug-of-war competition. The AFC simply couldn’t keep up, getting pulled into a foam pit twice in the best-of-three event.
One of the standout performers in this year's Pro Bowl Games was Dallas Cowboys return man KaVontae Turpin. The speedy Turpin took on a new role as a pass rusher, and his quickness was on full display throughout the game. He applied consistent pressure on quarterbacks, forcing them into mistakes, and he managed to pull flags with remarkable ease. By the end of the contest, Turpin had racked up five tackles, including a sack, making him a key defensive contributor for the NFC.
While much of the focus was on the players' on-field performances, the relaxed atmosphere of the Pro Bowl allowed for plenty of off-field moments as well. During breaks in the action, Pittsburgh’s Cameron Heyward and Tennessee’s Jeffery Simmons were spotted playing cards on the AFC bench. And when the game slowed down a bit, players found other ways to pass the time. Mayfield, his Buccaneers teammate Tristan Wirfs, and Dallas' Micah Parsons even posed for pictures holding their babies, showcasing a softer side of these tough athletes. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s Jerry Jeudy spent much of the game signing autographs for fans, further adding to the laid-back vibes of the event.
If there was one event that stood out for its sheer drama, it had to be the "Punt Perfect" competition. Jacksonville’s Logan Cooke faced off against Detroit’s Jack Fox in a tense showdown that stretched into double overtime. This thrilling contest may have been the highlight of the Pro Bowl Games for many fans. Cooke and Fox went head-to-head for several rounds, with the tension building as they each attempted to land punts through a series of six canisters from 35 yards away. After two rounds of tied attempts, the competition went to sudden death. Cooke hit his target, and Fox’s final attempt ricocheted off the rim of the canister, leaving Cooke victorious in one of the most scintillating moments of the event. "At the end of the day, everyone came here for a punt-off," Cooke joked, but the truth was clear — fans had witnessed something special.
While the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games didn’t have the same high-stakes drama as a regular season game, it was still a fantastic event that highlighted some of the NFL's top talent and, for fans of LSU, demonstrated just how much of an impact the Tigers' former players are making in the league. As we look ahead to the upcoming Olympic flag football event, it’s clear that the U.S. team would be wise to consider these former LSU stars as key players on their roster. With the likes of Nabers, Jefferson, and other ex-Tigers making waves in the NFL, it seems like a no-brainer to include them in future rosters.
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