SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — In a season defined by resilience and unexpected turns, the Cincinnati Bengals have capped off their 2025 campaign with a significant nod of respect from the league. On Friday, the team announced that veteran quarterback Joe Flacco has been added to the AFC roster for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, completing a star-studded offensive trio that includes wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

For the Bengals, sending three offensive playmakers to the league’s all-star showcase is a testament to the team’s adaptability. But the inclusion of Flacco—a quarterback whose career arc seemed to be winding down years ago—adds a layer of cinematic improbability to the celebration.

The 2026 Pro Bowl Games, set to take place on Tuesday, Feb. 3, will now feature a distinct splash of orange and black, as Flacco, Higgins, and Chase prepare to represent the AFC against the NFC’s best.

The Flacco Phenomenon

Perhaps the most surprising storyline of the AFC’s Pro Bowl roster is the arrival of Joe Flacco. At a stage in his career when most quarterbacks are transitioning to coaching or broadcast booths, Flacco has not only remained relevant but has played some of the most efficient football of his life.

The Bengals announced his addition to the roster on Friday, confirming that he will join his teammates in what marks a career milestone. Despite a long career that includes a Super Bowl MVP award and over a decade of starting experience, this is, remarkably, the first time Flacco has been selected to the Pro Bowl.

Flacco’s path to the 2026 games was anything but conventional. He didn’t begin the season as the starter. It wasn’t until Week 6 that he took the reins of the Bengals’ offense. What followed was a masterclass in veteran poise. In just 13 total games and 10 starts, Flacco stabilized the ship, throwing for 2,479 yards and 15 touchdowns.

His impact went beyond raw counting stats. According to the team’s release, Flacco finished the year tied for second in the NFL in completions and third in passing touchdowns—a statistic that underscores just how productive he was during his tenure under center. His ability to distribute the ball effectively turned what could have been a lost season into a showcase of offensive firepower.

Higgins Gets His Due

Joining Flacco is a player who many in Cincinnati feel has been overdue for national recognition. Tee Higgins, the towering wideout known for his contested catch ability and red-zone dominance, has been named to his first career Pro Bowl.

Higgins’ selection comes as he replaces Baltimore Ravens receiver Zay Flowers on the roster. While he may have entered as an alternate, his numbers validate his presence among the league’s elite. Higgins finished the 2025 season with 59 catches for 849 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns.

The 2025 season saw Higgins become a touchdown machine, particularly during a blistering stretch in the middle of the year. From Weeks 7 through 11, Higgins recorded four straight games with at least one touchdown catch, proving to be a reliable safety valve for Flacco as the quarterback adjusted to the offense.

“It’s about time,” is a sentiment echoing through the Bengals’ fanbase. For years, Higgins has operated in the shadow of his superstar counterpart, Ja’Marr Chase. This selection serves as validation that Higgins is not merely a “WR2,” but a premier talent capable of taking over games.

Chase Continues His Reign

While Flacco and Higgins are celebrating their first trips to the Pro Bowl, for Ja’Marr Chase, the honor has become a standard expectation. Named a starter earlier this month, Chase is set to make his fifth Pro Bowl appearance, continuing a streak of dominance that began the moment he entered the league.

Chase’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. He finished the season with 1,412 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, serving as the explosive engine of the Bengals’ offense. His ability to turn short slants into long touchdowns and stretch the field vertically provided Flacco with the ultimate weapon.

In addition to the Pro Bowl nod, Chase was named First-Team All-Pro for the second consecutive season, cementing his status as one of the undeniable faces of the NFL.

Chemistry on Display

The synergy between these three players was evident throughout the latter half of the season. A poignant snapshot of this chemistry was captured by Associated Press photographer Kareem Elgazzar during a Sunday night game against the New York Jets on October 26. The image shows Flacco, the seasoned veteran, celebrating in the end zone flanked by his two dynamic receivers, Chase and Higgins.

That moment encapsulated the Bengals’ season: a mix of veteran wisdom and youthful explosiveness. Flacco’s willingness to trust his receivers allowed Higgins to secure his career-high touchdown numbers and Chase to rack up over 1,400 yards.

Looking Ahead to the Games

The Pro Bowl Games have evolved in recent years from a traditional tackle football game into a multi-day skills competition culminating in flag football matches. This format may actually suit the Bengals’ trio perfectly. Chase’s speed, Higgins’ hands, and Flacco’s precise arm are tailor-made for the skills challenges.

For Joe Flacco, Tuesday, Feb. 3, will be more than just an exhibition; it will be a victory lap. To step onto the field as a Pro Bowler for the first time, years after his peers have retired, is a rare feat in professional sports.

As the AFC squad gathers, the Cincinnati Bengals will be well-represented. From the “old man” in the pocket to the two young superstars on the perimeter, the Bengals have proven that talent—regardless of age or draft status—always finds a way to shine.