Steve Young Named 2026 Pro Bowl Head Coach: Hall-of-Famer’s Surprise Return Sparks NFL Buzz

San Francisco 49ers legend Steve Young is back in the national spotlight this week after a flurry of appearances surrounding the NFL’s re-imagined Pro Bowl Games in Orlando. Serving as an honorary coach, the Hall of Fame quarterback generated buzz during practice sessions when he praised Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow, saying the fourth-year passer possesses “that fearless gene every great champion needs”. Young’s comments quickly circulated on social media and helped propel his name into trending status just days before Sunday’s skills showcase. While on site, the two-time league MVP also addressed San Francisco’s heartbreaking NFC Championship loss. Young urged the 49ers’ front office to “double down on offensive-line depth” after watching Brock Purdy absorb relentless pressure against Detroit, reiterating a point he made earlier this month in a Sports Illustrated interview. With San Francisco expected to enter free agency with limited cap flexibility, his critique adds expert weight to one of the franchise’s most pressing offseason storylines. Off the field, Young’s financial portfolio is turning heads. A weekend feature from Spanish daily Marca estimates his net worth at roughly $200 million, crediting savvy investments and his role as managing partner at private-equity firm HGGC. The article notes that endorsement deals signed during his playing career—most notably with Nike and Visa—continue to pay dividends decades after his final snap. Young’s visibility comes seven months after ESPN’s high-profile talent cuts ended his 22-year run on “Monday Night Countdown.” At the time, local Utah outlet KSL Sports reported that Disney’s cost-saving move affected more than 20 on-air personalities, including the Brigham Young University icon. Freed from the week-to-week grind of studio analysis, Young has increased his venture-capital workload and recently launched a leadership-focused podcast featuring Silicon Valley executives and former NFL peers. The 62-year-old continues to embrace his role as an ambassador for both BYU and the 49ers franchise. Earlier this week, Yahoo Sports captured a standing ovation at Levi’s Stadium when Young surprised a group of season-ticket holders with tickets to next year’s international series game. The moment underscored why, more than two decades after retiring, Steve Young still commands respect across multiple generations of football fans. With draft season looming and the 49ers once again on the cusp of greatness, expect Young’s opinions—and his trending status—to remain front and center throughout the offseason.