3 things to watch for in Panthers-Cardinals HOF Game - NFL.com
The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals are set to face off in the NFL Hall of Fame Game, marking the return of professional football. The game features the debut of new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur.
Why it matters
The Hall of Fame Game serves as the unofficial kickoff to the NFL preseason, providing the first look at new coaching staffs and roster adjustments.
Football returns on Thursday night with the arrival of the Hall of Fame Game.
Two days before Luke Kuechly and Larry Fitzgerald are enshrined into football immortality as part of the [Class of 2026](https://www.nfl.com/news/pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2026-revealed-at-nfl-honors), their respective former teams, the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals, will battle at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
Thursday night's preseason opener includes some fun historical nuggets. Carolina hasn't participated in the Hall of Fame Game since the Panthers first entered the league, beginning the franchise's history by taking on fellow expansion club Jacksonville in 1995 -- and coming away with a 20-14 win over the Jaguars.
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