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The 2024 Pro Bowl Skills Showdown kicked off on Thursday night, with members of the NFC and AFC teams squaring off in several competitions to earn points for each conference.
These challenges included Precision Passing, High Stakes, Closest to the Pin, Snap Shots, and Dodgeball.
The night began with Precision Passing, as each quarterback got a chance to show their accuracy. Baker Mayfield and C.J. Stroud advanced to the final round, with Mayfield winning the competition and earning three points for the NFC.
NFL @NFL
Baker Mayfield and the NFC win the Precision Passing final!
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It was a measure of redemption for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal-caller, who jokingly referenced his interception at the end of the team’s loss in the divisional round.
NFL @NFL
“The last pass I threw was to Derrick Barnes in Detroit.” 💀 @BakerMayfield
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NFL @NFL
A celebratory dance for Baker and Amon-Ra 😂
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“Sooner Magic” @TerryButler61
Congrats to Baker on winning the NFC Passing Precision Contest vs CJ Stroud! B🅾️🅾️MER! pic.twitter.com/eTsRRs9zh4
B. Mann @okbulldog133
Baker just won the precision passing skills challenge.. pic.twitter.com/7WM7H6sHyk
Tampa Tones @TampaTones
Baker Mayfield is representing the NFC in the Precision Passing Finals in the Pro Bowl Games vs CJ Stroud!
LFG 👨🍳 #GoBucs @bakermayfield 🚩☠️🏴 pic.twitter.com/MnfnYERMtM
Up next was the High Stakes challenge, as players competed to see who could catch the most punts in a row without dropping the ball from the previous reception. Special teams ace Miles Killebrew of the Pittsburgh Steelers helped the AFC get on the board with his impressive showing, tying the overall score at 3-3.
NFL @NFL
Miles Killebrew can’t make his 7th catch but still gets the AFC the win and 3 points ‼️
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NFL @NFL
Miles Killebrew with the late adjustment! 😱
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Pittsburgh Steelers @steelers
Miles Killebrew havin’ fun at his first #ProBowlGames 😀 pic.twitter.com/mFJNsgeXra
Ock🐈⬛ @OcksWRLD
Miles Killebrew is the pro bowl MVP, I’ve seen enough pic.twitter.com/hrxrpi5Nml
Closest to the Pin followed shortly after, as six players battled in a golf accuracy competition. Dallas Cowboys punter Bryan Anger helped the NFC take the lead once again, 6-3.
NFL @NFL
Bryan Anger wins the Closest to the Pin challenge for the NFC! @dallascowboys
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Next was the Snap Shots contest, as long snappers and centers tested their ability to hit targets and earn points for their respective conferences. Although Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce struggled as he attempted to secure five points in the competition, Minnesota Vikings long snapper Andrew DePaola scored nine points in his appearance to give the NFC a victory.
Heading into the final contest of the day, the NFC led 9-3.
NFL @NFL
Andrew DePaola needed 7 points to win Snap Shots for the NFC.
He got 9.
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NFL @NFL
Jason Kelce never gave up on the 5-point target and it finally worked out for him 😅
📺: #ProBowlGames on ESPN pic.twitter.com/tW8bJNpP6Y
Arthur @ArthurBaitson
GOATs never give up. pic.twitter.com/6ZRbGOZgu3
Rounding out Thursday’s action was the dodgeball tournament, featuring teams of players on both sides of the ball. First up, offensive players from the AFC defeated several NFC defenders to secure a victory in the opening game.
NFL @NFL
The AFC offense defeats the NFC defense in Dodgeball!
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Tennessee Titans @Titans
DODGEBALL KING 👑 @KingHenry_2 knocking out two defenders…who is surprised?
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Brian @BrianMcGannon
Watching Jamarr Chase and Stefon Diggs play dodgeball in front of 100 people pic.twitter.com/95pLQwu5GL
NFC’s offensive players were able to defeat the AFC defense after Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb hit Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to win the second game.
NFL @NFL
The NFC offense takes down the AFC defense in the 2nd game of Dodgeball! #ProBowlGames pic.twitter.com/jNpTQ2ARVA
Michael DiRocco @ESPNdirocco
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb is the best dodgeball player here. Clearly a disciple of the 5 Ds.
The NFC currently holds a 12-6 lead over the AFC heading into Sunday, when Pro Bowl action will continue. The two teams will play in a flag football game, with Peyton Manning coaching the AFC while Eli Manning coaches the NFC. Coverage begins at 3 p.m. ET.
