The NFL Hall of Fame Game is the first real taste of football after a long offseason. It brings fans back into the action and officially kicks off the preseason after months of anticipation. Held annually in Canton, Ohio, the game is closely tied to the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, which take place during the same weekend. The inductees of that year are recognized before the game begins.
Let’s explore the story behind the infamous game, how teams are picked, its highs and lows, and its significance.
Origins Of The NFL Hall Of Fame Game
The first-ever Hall of Fame Game happened on August 11, 1962, right as the Pro Football Hall of Fame broke ground in Canton. That inaugural game saw the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals finish in a 21-21 tie. At the time, it was mostly a fundraiser to help build the Hall itself, but it quickly turned into something much bigger, a mainstay of the NFL calendar.
In those early days, the game wasn’t locked into August. Some years, it happened in July or even September. The most recent non-August game took place on July 31, 2000, when the Patriots crushed the 49ers 20-0. Nowadays, early August is the sweet spot, giving fans their first live-action football after the long offseason.
How The Teams Are Picked?
Ever wondered why certain teams get chosen for this game? The NFL usually picks teams tied to the year’s Hall of Fame inductees. It’s a thoughtful touch, as fans get to honor their favorite players as their old teams hit the field, creating a full-circle moment.
Historically, the games have featured a combination of AFC and NFC teams, although intra-conference games have occurred. Notably, in 2009, two original AFL franchises, the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans, faced off to commemorate the league’s 50th anniversary. Expansion teams have also been prominently featured, with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers playing their first-ever games in the Hall of Fame game in 1995.
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Cancellations And Controversies
For all its tradition, the NFL Hall of Fame Game has had its share of hiccups. It’s been canceled a few times over the years. The first was in 1966 because of the AFL-NFL merger. Then, in 2011, labor disputes between players and the league led to another cancellation.
But 2016 takes the cake. That year’s game between the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts was called off just hours before kickoff because of unsafe field conditions. Apparently, the paint used on the turf made it dangerous to play. Fans weren’t thrilled, and the backlash was intense. More recently, the game was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the preseason was also canceled that year.
Which Team Has Played The Most Hall Of Fame Games?
In 2024, the Chicago Bears made their seventh appearance in the Hall of Fame Game, the 58th game in league history. They faced the Houston Texans, winning 21-17. The Bears joined the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, each of whom have also played in the game seven times.
The Cowboys and Steelers were both scheduled to compete in the 2020 game, but it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Steelers also hold the unique distinction of being the only team to have played in the Hall of Fame Game in consecutive years, appearing in 1963 and 1964.
What Makes The Game Memorable?
Over the years, the Hall of Fame Game has delivered plenty of unforgettable moments. Teams like the Cowboys and Steelers have made the most appearances, with seven each. Meanwhile, the Bears and Commanders have the highest winning percentages, both with five wins under their belts.
Some games stand out for other reasons. The Baltimore Ravens didn’t make their Hall of Fame Game debut until 2018, becoming the last team to do so. And then there’s the flip side, teams like the Lions and Chargers haven’t been part of this event in decades. The Lions, for instance, haven’t played since 1991.
One of the coolest things about the Hall of Fame Game is how it ties into the inductees’ careers. Take 2010, for example. Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time rushing leader, was inducted that year. To make it even more special, his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, played in the game. Moments like these are what make this event so special, combining nostalgia with the excitement of live football.
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A Game That’s Always On TV
Unlike most preseason games, the Hall of Fame Game gets the star treatment with a national broadcast. It started out on ABC’s Wide World of Sports, moved to Monday Night Football, and now it’s a regular feature on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. When the Summer Olympics are happening, networks like ESPN or NFL Network step in to make sure the tradition continues.
In 2017, the NFL decided to shift the game to happen before the induction ceremony. This change made it easier for fans to enjoy both events without having to pick one over the other. Now, the game feels like the opening act to an entire weekend celebrating football’s history.
What Makes Canton, Ohio, The Perfect Host?
Many consider Canton the heartbeat of the entire Hall of Fame experience. The city gets a massive economic boost every year, with the Pro Football Hall of Fame estimating that Enshrinement Week brings in about $32 million. Fans from all over flock to Canton to watch the game, attend the ceremonies, and soak in the history.
Beyond the numbers, Canton’s connection to football runs deep. It’s considered the birthplace of professional football, so it’s only fitting that the game happens here. The state-of-the-art Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, annual parades, and induction ceremonies all make Canton the ultimate hub for celebrating the sport.
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