The Pro Bowl Games will begin with a slate of skills competitions—passing, catching, and relay events—before a 7-on-7 flag football matchup between the AFC and NFC. The results of the skills events determine the opening score for the flag game.
Garrett had previously signaled he was “retiring” from the Pro Bowl after suffering a toe injury during one of the events, explaining that the risk and effort didn’t make sense to him.
Cleveland recently hired Todd Monken as its head coach, replacing Kevin Stefanski, who was fired after a 5-12 season. Monken beat out current defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who oversaw a historically strong Browns defense that finished No. 4 in yards allowed per game. Garrett’s production this season included an NFL single-season record 23 sacks, underscoring his impact on the unit.
Ward and Garrett publicly backed Schwartz as a head-coach candidate, and Schwartz reportedly left the facility in frustration after being passed over. Garrett later posted a cryptic meme on social media following the Monken hire, signaling possible fatigue with the hiring process and ensuing headlines.
Meanwhile, Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders expressed excitement for his first Pro Bowl, following a controversial selection. Sanders completed 1,400 passing yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his rookie season, and he acknowledged the support from coaches, teammates, and fans as part of his milestone.
