Published by: AK98
This Thursday evening will mark the beginning of the NFL Season.
Alas. We made it.
The New York Jets will come to Ohio to play the team lead by a known rapist, the Cleveland Browns (although, the women settled out of court with Browns QB Deshaun Watson, opting to take the money instead of the justice, so I suppose that’s the end of it? I’m Ron Burgundy?) in the inaugural game kicking off the season, the NFL Hall of Fame Game.
The NFL Hall of Fame Game, an annual exhibition match that unofficially signals the start of the NFL preseason, has a storied history that dates back to 1962. Played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, the birthplace of the NFL, the Hall of Fame Game coincides with the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s enshrinement weekend.
The inaugural Hall of Fame game, held on September 7, 1962, saw the New York Giants defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 21-21. From then on, the game became a fixture in the NFL calendar, providing fans with an early look at teams and players ahead of the new season.
Historically, the game takes place on a weekend that also includes the induction ceremony of the new Hall of Fame class. Over the years, this has provided countless memorable moments as NFL legends are honored for their contributions to the sport.
One key aspect of the Hall of Fame Game is that it doesn’t follow the usual pattern for choosing teams based on last season’s performances or a scheduled rotation. Instead, teams are often selected with some consideration towards the players being inducted that year into the Hall of Fame. This creates a unique tie between the past and the present, offering fans a rare blend of history and live action.
The game has also been an opportunity for teams to evaluate their new signings, rookies, and other less-established players, as the starters rarely play much in this first preseason game.
While the Hall of Fame Game is an exhibition and doesn’t count towards the regular season standings, its symbolic significance of beginning the NFL season, its celebration of the sport’s rich history, and its salute to the newly enshrined legends make it a noteworthy event on the football calendar.
However, like many sporting events, the Hall of Fame Game has not been immune to disruptions. For instance, it was canceled in 2011 due to the NFL lockout and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, the 2016 game was famously canceled due to unsafe field conditions caused by improper painting of the logo at midfield.
In spite of these setbacks, the Hall of Fame Game remains a beloved tradition and a reminder of the history, continuity, and evolution of American football. The game and its accompanying enshrinement ceremony serve as a bridge between the NFL’s storied past and its vibrant present, making the Hall of Fame Game a must-watch event for every football enthusiast.
From the first match played in 1962 to the most recent games, the NFL Hall of Fame Game continues to be a key part of the football narrative, kicking off a new season while also paying homage to the history of the game and the stars who have shaped it.