The beloved annual event, Puppy Bowl XXI, returns on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 2 PM ET/11 AM PT. The event features a record-breaking lineup of 142 rescue puppies from 80 shelters. They come from 40 states and two countries. The competition will spotlight these adorable athletes as they showcase their skills on the gridiron.
The Puppy Bowl is broadcasted across multiple platforms. These include Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, TBS, truTV, Max, and Discovery+. It promises fun for families and animal lovers alike.
A Celebration of Adoption and Rescue
This year’s Puppy Bowl highlights the inspiring stories of rescue dogs. It places a special focus on shelters’ efforts to find forever homes for their pups.
According to Howard Lee, Chief Creative Officer of U.S. Networks and President of Discovery Networks, “Win or lose, Puppy Bowl XXI will inspire families across the country to adopt a new furry friend.”
Teams Fluff and Ruff Face Off
Kicking off at PROGRESSIVE® Stadium, the event features Team Fluff and Team Ruff battling for the Walmart® “Lombarky” trophy. Notable players include:
- Julep, the first-ever St. Bernard mix, leading Team Fluff.
- Mr. Pickles, a Pug-Chihuahua mix, spearheading Team Ruff.
- Special needs pups, including Jolene, a wheelchair-bound Pit bull mix, and Sprinkle, a blind and hearing-impaired Australian shepherd.
Exciting Additions to Puppy Bowl XXI
- “Pup Close and Personal” Segments: Featuring stories like country artist Dan Smyers socializing rescue puppies and Kansas City Chiefs player Derrick Nnadi training shelter dogs.
- Krypto Super Play Award: A pup showing “super” abilities will earn this honor, coinciding with a sneak peek of James Gunn’s upcoming movie, Superman.
- Kitty Halftime Show: A mid-game spectacle brought by ARM & HAMMER HardBall.
New This Year: Puppy Combine and Draft
Starting at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT, the reimagined Puppy Bowl XXI Kickoff will introduce a Puppy Combine. Ten pups will show off their moves to secure spots in the Puppy Bowl Draft, ensuring an action-packed start to the event.
Join the Fun and Make a Difference
Fans can engage in several ways. They can vote for their favorite pups in the Pupularity Playoffs. They can adopt featured animals. Fans can also participate on social media using #PuppyBowl.
Stay updated with full rosters, player photos, and more on here.
