Seattle’s Russell Wilson threw three touchdown passes to lead the National Conference over the American Conference 62-35 in the 43rd National Football League Pro Bowl all-star game.
The National Conference, which now leads the all-time rivalry 22-21, set a one-team Pro Bowl scoring record, breaking the mark of 59 set by the American Conference in an 18-point victory over the Nationals last year.
Wilson, a rookie quarterback who helped the Seahawks reach the playoffs, flipped a 28-yard touchdown pass to Doug Martin, a nine-yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald and a five-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Jackson.
All three came in the third quarter after the Nationals had taken a 31-14 half-time lead and Wilson’s burst sealed the American squad’s fate.
“Everybody played hard,” Wilson said. “It was a great week and a fun time.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had threatened to end the Pro Bowl after last year if players failed to make a greater effort in the contest, but Wilson hopes others have the chance he did to meet and work alongside older NFL stars.
“I hope they keep the Pro Bowl,” Wilson said. “It’s special. It really means something.”
Players for the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens, who meet in next Sunday’s Super Bowl, did not take part in the Pro Bowl.
Each player on the winning team made $50,000, while each man on the losing side took home $25,000.
Denver’s Peyton Manning, selected to the Pro Bowl for a record 12th time, threw a touchdown for the American side while his brother Eli of the 2012 Super Bowl champion New York Giants threw two touchdown passes for the Nationals.
Cincinnati’s A.J. Green caught three touchdown passes for the American Conference and made seven receptions overall for 119 yards.
“I just came out and had fun,” Green said. “It’s an honor. I go out and work hard and do the best I can.”
Minnesota tight end Kyle Rudolph of the Nationals was named the Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player. He made five catches for 122 yards, including a three-yard touchdown catch from Eli Manning to end the first half.
The National Conference’s Jackson caught a 36-yard touchdown toss from Drew Brees in addition to the last of Wilson’s scoring throws.
National side sets scoring record in NFL Pro Bowl romp
