Tyler Huntley Helps AFC Take Early Lead Over Fred Warner, NFC At Pro Bowl Games

SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley helped the American Football Conference take an early lead over former BYU Cougars linebacker Fred Warner and the National Football Conference on the opening day of the Pro Bowl Games.

Day One of the Pro Bowl Games took place in Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, February 2.

It was Huntley’s first Pro Bowl selection and the second honor of Warner’s NFL career.

Huntley and the AFC were coached by Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos legend Peyton Manning. Warner and the NFC were led by New York Giants great Eli Manning.

The former Ute and current Baltimore Ravens signal-caller entered the event as an alternate for the AFC. Huntley’s teammate with the Ravens, Lamar Jackson, was also an alternate but was unable to participate due to injury. The former Utah standout replaced Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen at the Pro Bowl Games.

The Games opened with an event called “Precision Passing.” Huntley teammed up with fellow AFC quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Derek Carr (Las Vegas Raiders). The trio competed in showing off their accuracy throwing the football against the NFC’s Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks), Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), and Jared Goff (Detrot Lions).

Huntley was the second AFC quarterback to go in the event and he came out on fire. Huntley nearly hit the most difficult target, a 10-point toss. Following Carr’s attempt, the AFC captured an early 3-0 lead out of the day’s four competitions.

.@Ravens QB @_SNOOP1 came out on fire at the #ProBowlGames. 🔥#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #RavensFlock #GoUtes @kslsports pic.twitter.com/2CoBwZgOdK

— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) February 3, 2023

Next up, Warner and his NFC teammates took their turn in an event called “Lightning Round.” The competition involved a series of catches. The San Francisco 49ers star collected the first toss that came his way. However, the former BYU star was unable to corral the second football that was intended for him to haul in, thanks in part to his first catch still in-hand.

The NFC ended up losing the event and fell behind, 6-0.

Fred Warner signing a football for a Cowboys fan

Maybe that outstanding performance by Warner in the Divisional Round vs Dallas left it’s mark on this young man pic.twitter.com/MkQvxIOhDE

— Jordan Elliott (@splash_cousin) February 2, 2023

The following Pro Bowl game was a golfing contest, the “Longest Drive.” The segment took place outside and resulted in another three points for the AFC.

The final event of the day was a dodgeball contest. This event finally ended in a victory for the NFC.

However, the Pro Bowl Games aren’t over. The AFC will take a 9-3 advantage into Sunday’s Pro Bowl finale, a flag football game. Warner is projected to start for the NFC’s defense.

The AFC takes the lead in the #ProBowlGames!

The competitions continue Sunday at 3pm ET on ESPN/ABC! pic.twitter.com/cWDCi0H2qu

— NFL (@NFL) February 3, 2023

The final day of the Pro Bowl Games will take place on Sunday, February 5 at 1 p.m. (MDT). It will be televised on ESPN.

About Tyler Huntley

Before his in the NFL, Huntley was a standout player at the University of Utah. He played for the Utes from 2016-19. During his Utah career, the Dania, Florida native threw for 7,351 yards, 46 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions with a 67 percent completion rate.

Huntley signed with the Ravens after going undrafted following the 2020 NFL Draft.

He’s spent the majority of his time in Baltimore as the backup to Jackson.

This season, Huntley helped the Ravens earned a playoff berth in the Wild Card round. He threw for 658 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions during the regular season. Huntley also ran for 137 yards and a touchdown.

QB @_SNOOP1 has been named to the Pro Bowl Games and is replacing Josh Allen, who is unable to participate due to injury. pic.twitter.com/RjqErzGS0q

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 31, 2023

Huntley will be a free agent in March.

About Fred Warner

Prior to his time in the NFL, the San Marcos, California native played at BYU from 2014-17.

During his four seasons in Provo, the linebacker recorded 264 total tackles, 158 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, seven interceptions, 13 pass breakups, and two touchdowns.

RELATED: 49ers LB Fred Warner Picks Off Cowboys QB Dak Prescott During Divisional Round 

Warner was selected by the Niners with the No. 70 overall pick during the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

This season, Warner helped the 49ers reach the NFC Championship. He recorded 130 total tackles, 79 solo tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, one interception, and 10 pass breakups during the regular season.

"It means everything."@49ers LB @fred_warner tells @RhettNFL, @raylewis, and @DeMarcusWare how appreciative he is of the recognition going to the #ProBowlGames pic.twitter.com/clLaneWuJG

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 22, 2022

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).

Follow @kyleireland