As they've risen from the ashes of a decades-long stretch as one of the sad-sack NFL franchises, the Detroit Lions have become a huge television ratings draw that has saved fans from the tired storylines the networks love to lean on.
So Wednesday's news was not surprising. The Lions will play in the Hall of Fame Game to kickoff the 2025 NFL preseason, against the Los Angeles Chargers in Canton, Ohio at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31.
"This game features two teams that can be considered legitimate contenders to reach Super Bowl LX next February," Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO Jim Porter said in release announcing the news. "For them to face each other right out of the gate in Canton, Ohio, should create a dynamic opening to another spectacular NFL season."
Typically the Hall of Fame Game participants are based on that year's inductees. The Lions don't have any former players being enshrined this year. However former Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, who is one this year's inductees, is a Detroit native.
Detroit Lions to play in 2025 Hall of Fame Game vs. Chargers
Playing in the Hall of Fame Game will give the Lions four preseason games, which is generally not something teams love and no key players will play as a result.
The earlier start to the preseason will also alter the Lions' training camp schedule, since the game takes place at the end of what has usually been the end of the first week of camp.
As an example, the Lions reported to training camp on July 23 last year. The Hall of Fame Game participants, the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans, reported on July 17 and July 19 respectively.
The exact camp schedule for the Lions will come. But there won't be as long a wait for the first chance to see some new players and those who will be battling for a roster spot suit up in a game. Fans also have a reason to plan a visit to the Hall of Fame.
The Lions have played in the Hall of Fame Game three times previously, 1991 against the Denver Broncos, 1976 against the Broncos and 1965 against Washington, with a 1-2 record (the win came the last time they played in the game, 1991 against the Broncos).
The Chargers have played in the Hall of Fame Game twice before, with the last coming in 1994. The
two longest active streaks (Lions-32 seasons; Chargers-29 seasons) without playing in the game will come to an end.