The wait is finally over. After nearly six months without football, the NFL officially returns tonight with the 2025 Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, as the Los Angeles Chargers take on the Detroit Lions. It’s the first preseason game of the year, and while the outcome won’t count in the standings, the excitement around it definitely does. For fans who’ve been counting down the days, tonight marks the first real taste of the season ahead.
Starting at quarterback for the Chargers is former first-round pick Trey Lance, who gets the nod with Justin Herbert sitting out. Lance has reportedly had a strong training camp and now has a real shot to show what he can do in live action. He’s expected to play well into the third quarter before rookie DJ Uiagalelei steps in. For Lance, this game isn’t just a preseason opener—it’s a chance to reset his narrative and prove he belongs.
On the other side, the Lions will be without Jared Goff, giving backup quarterbacks Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen a chance to battle it out. Hooker, the second-year quarterback out of Tennessee, has plenty of upside, while Allen brings veteran experience. Both are expected to get significant playing time as Detroit looks to evaluate its depth and potentially its future at the position.
Beyond the quarterbacks, tonight’s game is a huge opportunity for rookies and fringe roster players to make an early impression. Guys like Giovanni Manu and Ahmed Hassanein will be looking to stand out on defense, while coaches will be watching closely to see who flashes on special teams or shows value in key depth roles. For many of these players, it’s their first big audition—and it matters.
The Hall of Fame Game is always more than just football. Held during Hall of Fame weekend, it honors the legends of the game while ushering in a new season. The stadium may only be filled with backups and hopefuls, but the energy in Canton is electric because football is officially back.
Whether you’re watching to see how Trey Lance performs, curious about the Lions’ QB2 battle, or just excited to have NFL football on your screen again, tonight marks the beginning of a long-awaited journey. The 2025 season has officially kicked off, and it all starts here in Canton.