The Ultimate Guide To Puppy Bowl 2025 Lineup: 142 Players, Special Needs Stars, And How To Watch The Cutest Showdown

The most anticipated sporting event of the year is officially set, and the roster is packed with 142 of the most adorable, adoptable athletes in the country. Puppy Bowl 2025, the 21st installment of the beloved annual rescue spectacular, is ready to kick off on Super Bowl Sunday, February 9, 2025, bringing a fresh and unique lineup of furry competitors to the gridiron. This year's game, Puppy Bowl XXI, promises more heartwarming stories, more shelters, and a larger roster than ever before, all dedicated to the ultimate goal: finding forever homes for every single player.

The Puppy Bowl is not just a pre-game show; it’s the original and longest-running call-to-adoption television event, showcasing rescue animals from across the nation. With 142 players hailing from 80 shelters and rescues, the 2025 edition highlights the incredible work being done by organizations dedicated to animal welfare, making it a must-watch event for rescue advocates and dog lovers alike.

Meet the Star Players: Team Ruff and Team Fluff's Starting Lineup

The competition is fierce, but the camaraderie is undeniable as Team Ruff and Team Fluff go head-to-head for the coveted Lombarky Trophy. The 2025 lineup features a diverse roster of breeds, mixes, and personalities, all vying for the most important win of all: a loving family. The sheer number of players—142 in total—underscores the massive scale of this year's adoption drive.

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The Standouts and Special Needs Stars

Every puppy on the field has a unique story, but a few players are already generating buzz, especially the incredible group of athletes with special needs. The 2025 Puppy Bowl proudly features 11 athletic puppies with special needs, showcasing their resilience and proving that they are just as capable of finding a loving home.

• Hewett: A visually-impaired Chihuahua and Australian Cattle Dog mix who is ready to prove that a little challenge won't slow him down on the field.
• Trio: One of the special needs players whose story is sure to melt hearts and inspire viewers to look beyond physical differences.
• Winston, Trevor, Hunter, and Mindy: Other members of the special needs squad, each bringing their own brand of adorable athleticism to the game.
• Saquon Barky: A player with a memorable, football-inspired name, this pup comes from one of the seven Philadelphia-area shelters contributing to the roster.
• Zinnia & Zipper: Two of the adorable pups named in the official starting lineup for Team Fluff.
• Spike & Strudel: Key players named in the starting lineup for Team Ruff, ready to score a touchdown (or perhaps just a nap).

The inclusion of these special needs puppies, like Hewett and others who may use a wheelchair, is a powerful statement about the importance of adopting all animals, regardless of their circumstances.

How to Watch Puppy Bowl 2025: Date, Time, and Streaming Options

Don't miss a single tackle, zoomie, or penalty for "unnecessary roughness" (i.e., excessive licking). Knowing the exact details of the broadcast is essential for planning your Super Bowl Sunday viewing party.

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The Official Kickoff Details

Puppy Bowl XXI is scheduled to air on Sunday, February 9, 2025. This is the traditional Super Bowl Sunday slot, ensuring the maximum number of eyes are on the adoptable stars before the human football game begins.

The furry action officially kicks off at 2:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). For those on the West Coast, that’s 11:00 AM Pacific Time (PT), and 1:00 PM Central Time (CT).

The pre-game coverage and tail-wagging warmups will begin beforehand, so tune in early to catch all the behind-the-scenes cuteness and interviews with the coaches and referees.

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Where to Find the Game

In a major win for accessibility, Puppy Bowl 2025 will be simulcast across multiple platforms, making it easier than ever to watch. You can catch the game live on several channels and streaming services:

• Television: Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, and TruTV.
• Streaming: Max (formerly HBO Max) and Discovery Plus.

This wide distribution ensures that no matter your cable or streaming subscription, you can tune in to support Team Ruff and Team Fluff. This expanded availability is a testament to the event's growing popularity and its mission to promote rescue and adoption.

The Mission Behind the Lineup: Shelters and the Adoption Cause

The Puppy Bowl is fundamentally a massive adoption event, and the 2025 lineup is a shining example of its success. The 142 participating puppies represent the hard work of 80 shelters and rescue organizations from across the United States.

These organizations are the true heroes, providing care, rehabilitation, and a second chance for these amazing animals. By featuring a diverse group of shelters, the Puppy Bowl helps shine a national spotlight on local rescue efforts.

Spotlight on Participating Rescues

While the full list is extensive, a few of the organizations contributing to the 2025 roster include:

• Helen Woodward Animal Center: Honored to have puppies playing in Puppy Bowl XXI, this center is a strong advocate for the animal rescue cause.
• Philadelphia-Area Shelters: Seven different dogs, including Saquon Barky, are coming from rescues in the Philadelphia region, highlighting regional participation.

The event serves as a massive platform for these shelters, driving adoption inquiries not just for the puppies on the field, but for countless other rescue animals awaiting their forever families.

The Most Pupular Award

Beyond the final score, one of the most exciting competitions is for the title of "Most Pupular." This award recognizes the fan-favorite player from the starting lineup. Viewers can often vote online for their favorite furry athlete, adding an interactive element to the broadcast and generating even more attention for the adoptable stars.

The Puppy Bowl XXI is more than a game; it's a celebration of rescue, resilience, and the power of adoption. With 142 players ready to charm their way into your heart, the 2025 lineup is set to be the most memorable yet. Tune in on February 9, 2025, to watch the action, support the 80 participating shelters, and perhaps even find your next best friend.