International Federation of American Football President Pierre Trochet, second from right, led a delegation to Las Vegas ©IFAF

Almost 60,000 fans packed into the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to see the National Football League (NFL) Pro Bowl Games showcase flag football for the first time.

The event also set an attendance record for flag football.

The NFL has replaced Pro Bowl with the Pro Bowl Games, a week-long event where players can showcase their flag football skills.

Among the activities included three successive matches between all-star teams representing the National Football Conference (NFC) and American Football Conference (AFC).

Brothers Peyton and Eli Manning were the opposing coaches, while the two sides also featured flag football stars, with Mexico’s Diana Flores starring for AFC and American Vanita Krouch playing for NFC.

Rapper Snoop Dogg and comedian Pete Davidson acted as captains for the two teams as NFC overcame AFC.

The event is part of the NFL's partnership with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) as flag football pushes for inclusion at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

IFAF President Pierre Trochet led a team from the worldwide governing body to Las Vegas for the first-ever NFL Pro Bowl Games.

The IFAF delegation also featured managing director Andy Fuller and Board member and director of competitions Roope Noronen.

Noronen is also head of the Finnish American Football Association which is due to organise next year's World Championships in Lahti.

Flag football was contested when all-star teams from National Football Conference and American Football Conference went head to head ©Getty Images
Flag football was contested when all-star teams from National Football Conference and American Football Conference went head to head ©Getty Images

"We are very proud of our IFAF athletes and official who have played their part, together with the NFL stars, in showcasing the exciting sport of flag football to an audience of millions here in Las Vegas," said Trochet.

"For us, as a federation, this has also been an invaluable opportunity to observe the NFL’s world-leading approach to sport presentation and fan experience, which will aid preparations for next year’s landmark Flag Football World Championships in Finland - the biggest and most exciting to-date.

"Under our Vision28 strategy we are determined to drive forward the global growth and development of flag football, and the Pro Bowl Games 2023 is a clear indication of the NFL’s commitment to that shared goal.

"We will take the learnings from this event and use that insight, along with our experience at The World Games in Birmingham last year, to keep the momentum going."

Flag football, a non-contact format of American football, is hoping to be part of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and has secured inclusion on a shortlist of nine sports to be added to the programme.