The NFL preseason officially begins Thursday night as the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game gives fans their first taste of live action since February. Canton, Ohio, home of the Hall of Fame, will serve as the center of the football universe when Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium hosts the opening showcase.
What Makes the NFL Hall of Fame Game Special?
Since its inception in 1962, the game has provided a showcase for the league to announce the opening of its on-field season in front of a national audience. The matchup serves as the grand finale of a weekend that celebrates the newest inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
When is the NFL Hall of Fame Game?
- Date: Thursday, July 31
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
Who Will Face Off in This Year’s Hall of Fame Game?
The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers will square off in Canton. The Chargers will make their third trip to play and first since a 21-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in 1994. Meanwhile, Detroit will participate for the fourth time and first since a 14-3 victory over the Denver Broncos in 1991.
Both teams earned playoff spots last season. Los Angeles grabbed a wildcard spot, posting a record of 11-6. Detroit won the NFC North with a record of 15-2.
What Channel Is the Hall of Fame Game On?
NBC and Peacock will air the matchup, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET. Mike Tirico will handle the play-by-play alongside his “Sunday Night Football” broadcast partner Cris Collinsworth, who will provide color commentary. Melissa Stark will report from the sidelines, while rules analyst Terry McCauley provides insight regarding rule interpretations.
Who Is Being Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2025?
Sterling Sharpe, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers
Few wideouts could boast the list of achievements and awards that Sharpe managed to accomplish during his seven-year career from 1988 to 1994, until a neck injury forced his retirement. Sharpe caught 595 passes for 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns, earning five Pro Bowl nods and three All-Pro distinctions. He led the league in catches three times (1989, 1992, 1993), receiving touchdowns twice (1992, 1994), and receiving yards once (1992).
One of the most dominant WRs of his era.
Sterling Sharpe’s legacy will soon be cemented in the @ProfootballHOF 🙌
HOF Enshrinement — Aug. 2 on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/d7FIYYJx0o— NFL (@NFL) July 24, 2025
Antonio Gates, Tight End, San Diego Chargers
Despite never playing college football, Gates crafted a generational career that saw him line up for 16 years (2003-2018)Â as quarterback Philip Rivers’ favorite target. The Kent State University basketball alum snared 955 receptions for 11,841 receiving yards and 116 touchdowns. The three-time All-Pro became a menace in the red zone, where he used his basketball knowledge to screen, box out, and body defenders.
one of the greatest to ever do it at TE 🫡 @AntonioGates85
HOF Enshrinement — Aug. 2 on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/IpCQOvxNw2— NFL (@NFL) July 22, 2025
Jared Allen, Defensive End, Minnesota Vikings
Known for his calf-roping celebrations but respected for his tenacious play, Allen played 12 seasons (2004-2015) with four teams: the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers.
Blessed with a quick first step and excellent technique, the 2004 fourth-round pick from Idaho State terrorized quarterbacks on his way to five Pro Bowls and four All-Pro awards. Allen’s 136 sacks rank him 12th all-time since the stat became officially recognized in 1982. His 32 forced fumbles, 171 tackles for loss, and two safeties put him tied for 24th, sixth, and first, respectively.
5x Pro Bowler
4x All-Pro
2x Sacks LeaderJared Allen is Canton-bound 😤
HOF Enshrinement — Aug. 2 on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/q2dcW7LfGP— NFL (@NFL) July 25, 2025
Eric Allen, Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles
Over 14 seasons (1988-2001), few cornerbacks played with the consistency and production of Allen. Known as a lockdown corner in Philadelphia but also playing for the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders, Allen made plays with quick eyes and quicker hands. The six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro hauled in 54 interceptions, ranking him 21st in league history.
A 6x Pro Bowl selection with 54 career INTs, and now a Hall of Famer.
Eric Allen had a special career 🙌
HOF Enshrinement — Aug. 2 on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Fw9pSuJBzQ— NFL (@NFL) July 26, 2025
In 1993, he returned four interceptions for touchdowns, good enough for second all-time for single-season pick-sixes. While most cornerbacks transition to safety as they age, Allen bucked that trend. He picked off six passes and returned three for touchdowns as a 35-year-old starting corner.
