usatoday
The NFL returns to action on August 6 when the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers square off in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio. This marks the first live game for the league since the Super Bowl, kicking off the 2026 preseason schedule.
The matchup serves as the only preseason contest this week, with the full slate of games beginning next Thursday, August 13. For the Cardinals and Panthers, the game carries extra significance as each franchise will see a legendary player enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 8 as part of the Class of 2026.
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who set numerous Cardinals records and earned 11 Pro Bowl selections during his career, will be inducted. For the Panthers, linebacker Luke Kuechly, widely regarded as one of the best defensive players of his era, will also be honored. Before the enshrinement ceremony, however, the focus shifts to the field.
Key Analysis
The Hall of Fame game is one of the NFL's oldest traditions, dating back to 1962 when it was first played to raise funds for the construction of the Hall of Fame. Since 1970, it has served as the traditional opener for the preseason. In recent years, the game has also become the centerpiece of the Hall's Enshrinement Weekend, which includes a gold jacket dinner on August 7 and the official ceremony on August 8.
Both teams are expected to rest their starters for this exhibition. The Panthers have confirmed that no starters will play, with Kenny Pickett starting at quarterback in place of Bryce Young. The Cardinals, meanwhile, will give rookie Carson Beck his first NFL game action under center. This will be the Cardinals' sixth appearance in the Hall of Fame game, while the Panthers are making their second, having last played in Canton in 1995 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Fans can watch the game on NBC, with streaming options available on Peacock, NFL+, and Fubo (which offers a free trial). The game is scheduled for an 8 p.m. ET kickoff at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Originally reported by usatoday.