College All Star Games

These partnerships help strengthen communities and develop a strong pipeline of football talent. 

Both annual college showcases supported by the NFL — the East-West Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl — impact the community through charitable causes. Created by the Shriners in 1925, the East-West Shrine Bowl supports Shriners Hospitals for Children. The Senior Bowl, founded in 1950 and based in Mobile, AL, benefits various local and regional organizations.

“All-star games are excellent developmental opportunities for prospects, NFL position coaches, and support staff,” said Troy Vincent, Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations.

Both all-star games will utilize the same professional development model of blended staff. To achieve equity for our club members, NFL Football Operations requests the nomination of assistant coaches from clubs (position coaches, unit assistants, and quality control) for consideration for the all-star opportunity. Each club is required to nominate their designated minority offensive assistant. Coaches will gain coaching experience up or across a level and will be challenged to work with that year’s pool of prospects as a head coach, coordinator, or position coach. In these elevated roles, coaches will be better prepared as leaders and developers of young talent on and off the field.

A committee, including NFL Football Operations Staff and three General Managers from the General Managers Advisory Committee, will select the coaching staff.

East-West Shrine Bowl

With 100 years of history, the East-West Shrine Bowl is the longest-running college all-star event. It focuses on player physical and mental health, wellness, sleep and recovery resources, and a best-in-class interview process. The Shrine Bowl has recently given players like Zay Flowers, Isaiah Pacheco, and Brock Purdy the chance to showcase their talents. The NFL provides the coaching staff, game officials, video staff, and four Legends captains, giving emerging assistant coaches valuable experiences and opportunities to showcase their skills.

Senior Bowl

The NFL supports the Senior Bowl by providing video personnel from various clubs to assist with football operations and using the game week platform to train and develop NFL officials. Notable Senior Bowl alumni include Joe Namath, Walter Payton, Dan Marino, and current stars Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts.

The Senior Bowl supports local communities through initiatives like the Senior Bowl Ambassador Club and the Mobile/Baldwin Athletic Partnership (MBAP), which donates to underfunded high school football programs. Other projects include an NFL Flag League for kids, the annual Turkey Bowl, and holiday meal distributions with Feeding the Gulf Coast.

Members of the NFL’s Legends community and team player engagement personnel mentor players for both games throughout the week. Through these initiatives, the NFL ensures that both the East-West Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl continue to serve as key developmental platforms for future NFL talent while making significant contributions to their respective communities.