The 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game is the unofficial start of the NFL season, and after nearly six long months, fans are clamoring for the return of their favorite sport. This year, the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars are set to play the first preseason game ahead of a full slate next week. However, with severe weather and delays taking place in Canton, Ohio, is the Hall of Fame Game canceled, or will the teams be able to play?
We will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.
Is the 2022 Hall of Fame Game canceled?
Update 8:40 p.m. ET: The Hall of Fame Game has started. The weather conditions will continue to be monitored.
Update 8:30 p.m. ET: The players have returned to the field and the kickoff continues to be scheduled for 8:40 p.m. ET. The 2022 Hall of Fame class is currently being introduced. It continues to rain.
Update 8:00 p.m. ET: The Hall of Fame Game was set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET on August 4, 2022. However, fans were instructed to seek shelter due to severe weather in the area, and both teams were forced back into their locker rooms.
As of right now, the game is expected to take place, with players being informed that they can leave the locker rooms and head out onto the field at 8:25 p.m. ET. According to NBC Sports’ Melissa Stark, the earliest the game can begin is 8:40 p.m. ET.
Has the Pro Football Hall of Fame been canceled before?
The Hall of Fame Game is no stranger to severe weather or unforeseen circumstances causing it to be canceled or delayed. Back in 2020, the game was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, in 2016, the game could not be played due to a problem with the pain on the field.
Back in 2003, the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers was called in the third quarter due to severe lightning. The same happened in 1980 when the game was called in the fourth quarter due to lightning.