The Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions will clash in the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on July 31st in Canton, Ohio the NFL announced Wednesday.
The Chargers, who last played in the Hall of Fame game back in 1994, will be able to properly celebrate former tight end Antonio Gates who will be one of this year’s inductees. The matchup is especially fitting given the fact that Gates is also a Detroit native as well.
“This game features two teams that can be considered legitimate contenders to reach Super Bowl LX next February,” said Jim Porter, president & CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “For them to face each other right out of the gate in Canton, Ohio, should create a dynamic opening to another spectacular NFL season.”
The game kicks off a jam packed week for the Pro Football Hall of Fame committee. In addition to the on field matchup, the committee will also be overseeing numerous off field events to kick off the 2025 NFL season, including:
July 31: Hall of Fame Game presented by Novartis (Lions vs. Chargers)
Aug. 1: Fashion Show Luncheon presented by Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons
Aug. 1: Enshrinees’ Gold Jacket Dinner presented by Haggar
Aug. 2: Grand Parade
Aug. 2: Enshrinement of Class of 2025 presented by Visual Edge IT
Aug. 3: Class of 2025 Unscripted & Tailgate presented by Employers Health
Aug. 3: Concert for Legends featuring Nickelback
Detroit is 1-2 all-time in their Hall of Fame games, picking up a win over the Denver Broncos in their last appearance (1991). Meanwhile, the Chargers are 0-1-1, having played in a bizarre weather shortened affair against Green Bay in 1980 which ended in a 0-0 tie.
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