NFL Returns Thursday With Hall Of Fame Game: Chargers vs. Lions & 2025 Inductions

The NFL Returns: Kickoff with the Hall of Fame Game – Chargers vs. Lions

NLF Football officially returns live on Thursday, July 31, as the Detroit Lions take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Game. The matchup takes place in Canton, Ohio, and serves as the kickoff to the NFL preseason and will be the first snap since February.

Expect a showcase of rising talent and preseason intrigue—though most starters are likely resting, it’s a golden moment for emerging players to flash early.

NFL Hall of Fame Game & Class of 2025 Enshrinements

The annual Hall of Fame Game is more than an exhibition—it fuels Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week, a multi-day festival surrounding the game and highlighting football's most legendary names.

Class of 2025 Highlights:

• Antonio Gates – One of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, Gates spent his entire career with the Chargers and revolutionized the position with his basketball-born athleticism and red-zone dominance. It’s only fitting that his former team is playing in this year’s Hall of Fame Game.

• Eric Allen – A lockdown cornerback who starred with the Eagles, Saints, and Raiders. Known for his playmaking ability and durability, Allen finally gets recognition as one of the top DBs of his era.

• Jared Allen – The high-motor pass rusher who terrorized quarterbacks for the Chiefs, Vikings, Bears, and Panthers. His signature mullet, cowboy attitude, and relentless sack totals made him a fan favorite and feared edge defender.

• Sterling Sharpe – Though his career was cut short by injury, Sharpe was one of the most dominant receivers of the early '90s. A five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro with the Packers, he's finally getting his moment in Canton.

All four will be introduced on the field on Thursday, then officially receive their Gold Jackets on Friday, August 1 at the enshrinement dinner, and be inducted August 2 inside Tom Benson Stadium.

Pregame Sports Bar Crawl: Las Vegas Edition

Experience the excitement of the game like never before with our Pregame Sports pub crawl in Las Vegas! Join fellow sports fans for exclusive drink specials at some of the city's best sports bars. It's the ultimate way to gear up for game night—whether you're repping your squad or just in it for the fun. Stay tuned for upcoming dates and exclusive deals!