Football fans rejoice: the 2026 NFL Season is right around the corner. The league year officially kicks off with the Hall of Fame Game between the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, August 6 at 8 p.m. ET.
Here’s how to watch the NFL Hall of Fame Game live on TV.
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When is the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame game?
The Panthers face the Cardinals for the first official game of the 2026-27 NFL season on August 6 at 8 p.m. ET in Canton, Ohio. The game takes place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium as part of the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony.
How to Watch the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game?
NFL fans can tune in live to NBC and Peacock to watch the Hall of Fame Game. Pregame coverage will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on NBC. The broadcast will also feature interviews, tributes and celebrations dedicated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2026 Class.
Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth and Melissa Stark will be back in the press box as NBC’s coverage team for this game, as well as for games on NBC during the NFL’s 107th season.
What is the NFL Hall of Fame Game?
The NFL Hall of Fame game is an annual preseason game hosted at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. It’s part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction ceremony in Canton, OH. This game has served as the official kickoff to both the preseason and the NFL season since 1962.
Who is Being Inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame?
The 2026 NFL Hall of Fame class includes playmakers on both sides of the ball. This year’s class features:
| Player/Inductee | Position | Years Active | Teams |
| Drew Brees | Quarterback | 2001-2020 | San Diego Chargers (2001-05); New Orleans Saints (2006-2020) |
| Roger Craig | Running Back | 1983-1993 | San Francisco 49ers (1983-90); LA Raiders (1991); Minnesota Vikings (1992-93) |
| Larry Fitzgerald | Wide Receiver | 2004-2020 | Arizona Cardinals (2004-2020) |
| Luke Kuechly | Line Backer | 2012-2019 | Carolina Panthers |
| Adam Vinatieri | Kicker | 1996-2019 | New England Patriots (1996-2005); Indianapolis Colts (2006-19) |
Drew Brees (QB)
Drew Brees redefined the quarterback position through his record-setting accuracy, leadership and consistency, and will be honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. After overcoming an uncertain start in San Diego, Brees led the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl championship and earned Super Bowl XLIV MVP honors. A 13-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, he retired ranked second all-time in both passing yards and passing touchdowns. His excellence on and off the field cemented his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Roger Craig (RB)
Roger Craig revolutionized the running back position during his NFL career and will be honored for his impact with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. A cornerstone of the San Francisco 49ers dynasty, Craig became the first player in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season (1985) and helped lead the 49ers to three Super Bowl championships. His versatility, innovation, and sustained excellence cemented his legacy as one of the most influential running backs of his era.
Larry Fitzgerald (WR)
Larry Fitzgerald set the standard for consistency and excellence at wide receiver throughout his 17-year NFL career. Spending his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals, Fitzgerald finished with the second-most receiving yards in NFL history while helping lead the franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance. An 11-time Pro Bowler, he also delivered one of the greatest postseason performances by a receiver, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Luke Kuechly (LB)
Luke Kuechly established himself as one of the NFL’s most dominant linebackers during his eight-year career and will be honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. A seven-time Pro Bowler, five-time First-Team All-Pro, and 2013 AP Defensive Player of the Year, Kuechly recorded more than 100 tackles in every season of his career and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2010s. His instincts, leadership, and relentless play cemented his legacy as one of the greatest linebackers of his generation.
Adam Vinatieri (K)
Adam Vinatieri defined excellence at the kicker position throughout his 24-year NFL career and will be honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. A four-time Super Bowl champion, Vinatieri retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in points scored and field goals made while building a reputation as one of the league’s most clutch postseason performers. His consistency, longevity, and championship success cemented his legacy as one of the greatest kickers in football history.
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Frequently asked questions
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