By Blessing 
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff made a statement on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Detroit, delivering a near-flawless performance during the opening night of the Pro Bowl Games. Goff’s impressive efforts helped the NFC secure a 14-7 lead over the AFC.
Teaming up with Green Bay’s Josh Jacobs in an NFL trivia contest, Goff showcased his sharp passing skills, hitting every target and exceeding expectations within just 1 minute and 30 seconds. His remarkable accuracy earned 44 points for the NFC, outperforming teammate Sam Darnold of Minnesota by five points.
The NFC’s quarterback lineup—Goff, Darnold, and Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield—easily defeated the AFC’s trio of Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, New England’s Drake Maye, and Pittsburgh’s Russell Wilson.
The passing competition was the highlight of the six events on the opening night. The NFC dominated by winning two of three relay races, a skills challenge called “Satisfying Catches,” and a game show titled “Helmet Harmony,” reminiscent of the classic “Newlywed Game.”
The AFC managed to claim victories in dodgeball and “The Big Spike,” where New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams delivered a powerful spike of a football.
The evening had its share of memorable moments, including Joey and Nick Bosa speed-walking their relay leg and Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase making one-handed catches with ease during “Satisfying Catches.”
Sunday’s broadcast will feature four additional skill events, each carrying three points. The Pro Bowl Games will then wrap up with a highly anticipated flag football match.
NFC coach Eli Manning praised his players for their dedication, saying, “We’ve got the lead, and that’s good. It just shows the heart, the preparation, everything, the commitment of these guys. They’ve been grinding. They’re looking forward to this. They want the three-peat.” Manning humorously noted the focus on the Pro Bowl’s potential three-peat, shifting attention away from next week’s discussions about Kansas City.
With the NFC off to a strong start, all eyes are set on the rest of the games to see if they can clinch the victory for a third straight year.