By Blessing 
Football is finally back.
After more than five long months without NFL action, fans are in for a treat Thursday night as the preseason kicks off with the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. It’s been a long wait since the Philadelphia Eagles were crowned champions in Super Bowl LIX, but the drought ends as the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions take the field in Canton, Ohio.
These two teams aren’t just here for show—they’re hungry and hoping this early contest sparks a championship-caliber campaign. Both franchises will also be part of a special moment, as the Hall welcomes wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, tight end Antonio Gates, defensive end Jared Allen, and defensive back Eric Allen into its sacred grounds.
It’s a rare appearance for both teams in this game. The Chargers haven’t participated in the Hall of Fame Game since 1994—a year they ended up reaching the Super Bowl. The Lions’ last showing was even further back in 1991, the same season they advanced to the NFC Championship for the first time in the Super Bowl era. Could this year’s matchup be a good omen for both?
Optimism is high. The Chargers are coming off an 11-win campaign that ended with a frustrating wild-card loss. Under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, they’re chasing redemption with quarterback Justin Herbert leading the way and a young defense on the rise. Meanwhile, Dan Campbell’s Lions, fresh off a dominant 15-win season, are looking to take the next step after a disappointing exit in the Divisional Round.
Thursday’s game won’t decide anyone’s postseason fate, but it’s the official beginning of what each team hopes will be a special journey. And it all starts at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
As the Lions and Chargers square off under the lights, here are three key storylines to keep an eye on:
1. An Extra Chance to Shine
Because they’re playing in the Hall of Fame Game, both L.A. and Detroit will have four preseason games instead of the usual three. While that may not drastically affect star players, it’s a golden opportunity for fringe players and undrafted free agents fighting for roster spots.
Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter spoke about the unique opportunity the extra game offers, especially for those at the bottom of the depth chart. “I’m sure it’s the most watched preseason game even from that standpoint of everybody’s ready to look at football,” Minter said. “Then it’s film that’s out there in every team’s building.”
This game won’t be about stars like Herbert or Amon-Ra St. Brown. Instead, players like seventh-round Chargers rookie cornerback Trikweze Bridges and undrafted quarterback DJ Uiagalelei—expected to play most of the second half—will get their moment to shine. Wide receiver Brenden Rice, a 2024 seventh-round pick and son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, will look to build on the momentum from his brief regular-season action last year.
The Lions have their own sleeper picks hoping to make waves. Detroit kept undrafted receiver Isaiah Williams on its initial 53-man roster last season, even though he was eventually waived in November. This year, wideout Jackson Meeks—nephew of former Lions pass rusher Za’Darius Smith—could be next in line to prove himself.
For many players, this game could be the difference between NFL dreams and free agency.
2. Debuts for Detroit’s New Coordinators
Don’t expect either team to unleash exotic playbooks or show all their tricks. Preseason is about fundamentals, rhythm, and chemistry—not fooling opponents.
Still, Thursday is a big deal for the Lions’ new coordinators. Offensive coordinator John Morton and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard are stepping into big shoes after Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn took head coaching jobs elsewhere. This marks both coaches’ first shot at calling the shots on their respective sides of the ball.
Dan Campbell has always brought the energy and motivation to Detroit, but when it comes to scheming and strategic game plans, the Lions’ new coordinators will need to hold their own. Especially in a division where other head coaches—like Green Bay’s Matt LaFleur, Minnesota’s Kevin O’Connell, and Chicago’s new coach Johnson—are known for their X’s and O’s.
Detroit’s defense and offense both ranked among the top 10 last year. Keeping that standard—or even improving it—will rest heavily on how Morton and Sheppard adjust to their expanded roles.
Thursday might be a small sample, but it’ll give fans their first real look at how these two new voices operate on the sidelines.
3. Spotlight on Chargers’ Rookie Offense
Jim Harbaugh made headlines on July 27 when he said of quarterback Justin Herbert, “His biggest weakness is needing offensive teammates to get up to his level.” While that comment turned some heads—and inspired a few workplace memes—it wasn’t just a soundbite.
The Chargers took that message seriously in the NFL Draft. They selected players specifically to complement Herbert’s skillset, and Thursday’s game will be the first live test for that rookie class.
Omarion Hampton, the dynamic running back picked at No. 22 overall, is expected to eventually take over L.A.’s backfield. With Najee Harris sidelined as he recovers from an eye injury, Hampton may get early touches—and a chance to speed up that timetable.
Second-round wide receiver Tre Harris, drafted 55th overall, reported to camp late due to contract negotiations but should be eager to make a strong impression. Fifth-rounder KeAndre Lambert-Smith has also impressed in training camp and could surprise fans with an early breakout.
If even a few of these rookies click early, the Chargers’ offense could be deeper—and more dangerous—than many predicted.
It’s only preseason, and yes, the outcome won’t count in the standings. But for dozens of players fighting to prove themselves, for new coaches stepping into the spotlight, and for fans starved for football, Thursday’s game means something.
The road to Super Bowl LX may be long, but it all starts in Canton.