NBC Sports has announced that the 2021 All-American Bowl will not be played due to health and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead, NBC will broadcast a special two-hour “All-American Bowl: Declaration Day” on Saturday, Jan. 2, celebrating each of this year’s 100 All-Americans.
The Bowl, which was originally scheduled to be played in January 2021 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, annually showcases the best high school football players in the country.
“All-American Bowl: Declaration Day” will include unique features and analysis, as well as college declarations by select players.
The special will be hosted by NBC Sports’ Paul Burmeister, alongside analyst and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, and reporter, former Notre Dame wide receiver and 2013 Bowl alumnus Corey Robinson.
Barton Simmons, director of scouting for 247Sports, will provide highlights and expert analysis throughout the two-hour special.
“Our priority is on the health and safety of players, their friends and family, and everyone associated with the Bowl,” said Gary Quinn, Vice President, Programming & Owned Properties, NBC Sports.
“While we will miss the Bowl in San Antonio this year, we look forward to celebrating all 100 athletes joining the All-American Bowl family and recognizing their hard work and dedication on Jan. 2 on NBC.”
“For more than 20 years, San Antonio has been host of the All-American Bowl showcasing the best high school football players in the country in a nationally televised game on NBC at the Alamodome,” said Mayor of San Antonio Ron Nirenberg.
“Stars from Adrian Peterson to Trevor Lawrence and countless others have played in this annual game celebrating America’s favourite sport. San Antonio will miss the Bowl coming to San Antonio this January, but we all look forward to hosting and celebrating the 2022 All-American Bowl in our nation’s 7th largest city in January 2022.”
“All-American Dream,” an hour-long special on NBC showcasing the history and human-interest stories on five All-Americans from this year’s class, will air on Dec. 6.
Along with the 2021 All-American Bowl and related week-of activities, the 2021 National Combine will also be postponed. The 2021 Combine will aim to be rescheduled in the Spring.