In an eye-filling parade down Main Street, U.S.A. featuring cheerleaders, marching bands, a blizzard of confetti, Mickey Mouse and children representing local charities and community groups, five marquee players for Sunday’s NFL Pro Bowl were celebrated in Magic Kingdom today at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Pro Bowl stars – wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders of the Denver Broncos, tight ends Greg Olsen (Carolina Panthers) and Delanie Walker (Tennessee Titans), and linebacker Ryan Shazier of the Pittsburgh Steelers — took time out from practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports to greet waving and cheering fans lining the iconic street in the shadows of Cinderella Castle.
In the grand Disney style of celebrating achievement by sports stars and celebrities in other fields, Disney World treated the stars to a heroes’ welcome only Disney can do.
The five Pro Bowlers were also joined in the parade by finalists for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award and kids and families from Make-a-Wish Central and Northern Florida and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
The Disney parade moment was part of week-long Pro Bowl Week activities around Orlando. ESPN Wide World of Sports is hosting team practices, the NFL Pro Bowl Experience and other events open to fans while Disney Springs rocks out with the Pro Bowl Bash capped Saturday night by a pep rally.
The 2017 Pro Bowl will be played Sunday night at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, airing live at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. It will feature a return to the traditional AFC vs. NFC format. Sunday’s game marks only the fourth time the Pro Bowl has been played in Florida – and its first-ever appearance in Orlando.
