The NFL preseason starts this Thursday with the Hall of Fame Game. This game happens every year alongside the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It’s the NFL’s first live-action since February.
Which teams are playing in the Hall of Fame Game, and how can you watch it on Thursday? Let’s go through all the essential info.
What Is the NFL Hall of Fame Game?
The NFL Hall of Fame Game is a yearly exhibition match that happens during the same weekend as the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s annual ceremony.
In the past, from 1971 to 2010, the game usually had an AFC team playing against an NFC team.
But, starting in 2011, each team in the game is linked to a player being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
History of the Hall of Fame Game
The Hall of Fame Game has a long history beginning back in 1962. The Pro Football Hall of Fame officially opened the next year, and the second Hall of Fame Game occurred just a day after the museum unlocked. Then in 1970, the NFL chose to start each pre-season with the Hall of Fame Game.
Most years, the NFL made sure to have the Hall of Fame Game, but there were some exceptions. In 1966, there was no game because the NFL and AFL had merged. In 2011, the game didn’t happen because of a big NFL lockout.
In 2016, the game was canceled because the field was in bad shape. In 2020, the game couldn’t take place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, the Hall of Fame Game got delayed because of bad weather. Eventually, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders were able to play the game. The big story was that Josh Jacobs, the main running back, played in the Hall of Fame Game. The Raiders had two quarterbacks, Jarrett Stidham and Austin Walter, who helped the team win 27-11.
When Is the NFL Hall of Fame Game in 2025?
The NFL Hall of Fame Game in 2025 will take place on Thursday, August 3rd, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will be held at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
Who Is Playing in the Hall of Fame Game?
The 2023 Hall of Fame Game will feature the New York Jets facing off against the Cleveland Browns. This year Hall of Fame draftees include former Jets players Darrelle Revis and Joe Klecko as well as ex-Brown Joe Thomas making it a fitting matchup.
Neither the Jets nor the Browns have participated in the Hall of Fame Game for many years. Cleveland last played in the HOF game in 1999, after the Browns were reformed, while the Jets’ last appearance was back in 1992.
It’s not common for NFL teams to have their star players participate in the Hall of Fame Game, so Jets fans won’t see Aaron Rodgers’ debut in green on Thursday. Instead, the quarterback duties are expected to be handled by former No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson, Tim Boyle, and Chris Streveler.
Due to injuries, the Jets will rely on their backup skill position players. Rookie Israel Abanikanda, a fifth-round draft pick, will try to make an impact in the backfield as running back Breece Hall recovers from a 2022 ACL injury. In the receiving corps, with Garrett Wilson nursing an ankle injury, the Jets will have other players step up.
On the Browns side, Deshaun Watson and Josh Dobbs their top two quarterbacks, will not play in the Hall of Fame Game. Instead, Kellen Mond is expected to start, with rookie signal-caller Dorian Thompson-Robinson also getting some playing time. Third-round wide receiver Cedric Tillman, a former high school teammate of Thompson-Robinson, will be looking to earn snaps in a competitive Cleveland receiver group.
What Channel Is the Hall of Fame Game On?
The 2025 Hall of Fame Game will be televised on NBC, and you can catch the pre-game coverage starting at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, the game will be available for streaming on Peacock.
Can You Bet on the Hall of Fame Game?
Yes, you can bet on the Hall of Fame Game, just like you can bet on any NFL preseason game. Sportsbooks will give you options to bet on things like the total score of the game, whether it will be over or under a certain number of points, and even bets on how well specific players will do in the game.