Lamar Jackson led the AFC to a 38-33 win over the NFC in the NFL Pro Bowl amid in-game tributes to Kobe Bryant in Orlando.
NBA great Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among the nine killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday. Even though it was played on the other side of the United States, the news cast a strong shadow over the NFL’s annual all-star clash
The NFL issued a glowing tribute. Camping World Stadium observed a minute’s silence. Fans chanted Bryant’s name and the NFC defence mimicked the Lakers legend’s signature fade away jump shot after completing a sack.
Making his first Pro Bowl appearance, star Baltimore Ravens quarterback Jackson threw 185 yards for two touchdowns against one interception to help the AFC to a 10-point half-time lead.
Drew Brees, rumoured to be considering retirement, started at QB for the NFC. They mounted a third-quarter comeback after defensive tackle Fletcher Cox eased untroubled into the end zone for a 61-yard touchdown following Harrison Smith’s lateral pass.
Tannehill connected from 60 yards
Davante Adams caught Kirk Cousins’ pass to bring the margin back to three points, before Ryan Tannehill connected with D.J. Clark Jr. on a 60-yard throw to restore the AFC’s buffer.
T.J. Watt and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Adams traded scores in the fourth quarter while MVP candidate Jackson was off the field paying tribute to Bryant.
He told ESPN: “Now there was a legend. He did so much for the game of basketball. A lot of people looked up to Kobe Bryant, including myself.”
The NFL’s attention new turns to Miami, where the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers will contest Super Bowl LIV this coming Sunday.
Chiefs remain the favourites, but the odds are narrowing. On Monday the New Jersey sportsbook William Hill had the Chiefs at 6/5 with the 49ers at evens