**NFL Preseason Kicks Off with Chargers vs. Lions in Hall of Fame Game**
The NFL is set to return with the Los Angeles Chargers facing off against the Detroit Lions in the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. Scheduled for 8 p.m. ET in Canton, Ohio, this matchup marks the first NFL preseason game to take place in July since 2000.
Chargers legend Antonio Gates will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame during the event, alongside notable players such as Eric Allen, Jared Allen, and Sterling Sharpe. The Lions, who finished last season with an impressive 15-2 record and secured the NFC’s No. 1 seed, will be the designated home team. However, their playoff journey ended unexpectedly in the Divisional Round against the Washington Commanders. Following this defeat, both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn left to pursue head coaching opportunities—Johnson with the Chicago Bears and Glenn with the New York Jets.
To fill these key roles, the Lions have appointed John Morton, previously the Denver Broncos’ passing game coordinator, as their new offensive coordinator. Kelvin Sheppard, who served as the Lions’ linebackers coach for the past three seasons, has been promoted to replace Glenn.
On the other side, the Chargers are coming off a successful 11-6 season under head coach Jim Harbaugh, making the playoffs but falling to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round. Quarterback Justin Herbert, who had a stellar regular season with only three interceptions, struggled in the playoffs, throwing four interceptions in the loss. Notably, Herbert will not participate in Thursday’s game; instead, Trey Lance and undrafted rookie DJ Uiagalelei will take the snaps.
Lance, who played four games for the Dallas Cowboys last season, completed 61% of his passes for 266 yards and one interception. Uiagalelei has had a diverse college career, playing at Clemson, Oregon State, and Florida State. The Lions will field Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen as their quarterbacks for the exhibition game. Hooker, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, appeared in three games last season, while Allen, who spent last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is entering his first year with the Lions.
As the NFL preseason kicks off, fans can look forward to an exciting matchup that sets the stage for the upcoming season.
**FAQ**
*What teams are playing in the Hall of Fame Game?*
The Los Angeles Chargers will face the Detroit Lions in the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
