Lions and Chargers to Face Off in 2025 Hall of Fame Game

CANTON, Ohio – The Detroit Lions will host the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, July 31, at 8 p.m. ET at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. This matchup marks the kickoff for the NFL’s 106th season and serves as a highlight of Enshrinement Week.

Jim Porter, president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, expressed excitement about the upcoming game, stating, “This game features two teams that can be considered legitimate contenders to reach Super Bowl LX next February. For them to face each other right out of the gate in Canton should create a dynamic opening to another spectacular NFL season.”

Both teams made the playoffs last season, with the Lions finishing at 15-2 and the Chargers ending with an 11-6 record. Despite strong performances, both were eliminated in the playoffs early, with the Lions losing in the Divisional Round and the Chargers in the Wild Card Weekend.

This will be the fourth Hall of Fame Game appearance for the Lions and the third for the Chargers. The Lions have a previous record of 1-2, with their last appearance in 1991, while the Chargers are 0-1-1, including a scoreless game in 1980 against the Green Bay Packers.

Highlighting the 2025 Hall of Fame class is Antonio Gates, a former tight end with the Chargers, who will be inducted along with fellow players Eric Allen, Jared Allen, and Sterling Sharpe. Gates, who had a remarkable career spanning from 2003 to 2018, ranks first in career touchdown receptions among tight ends with 116. The new inductees will receive their Gold Jackets on August 1 and be enshrined on August 2.

For fans interested in attending the Hall of Fame Game, tickets will go on sale starting at 10 a.m. ET on April 28. Fans can purchase tickets online.