Once the NFL schedule is out and OTAs have wrapped up, fans start looking ahead to the upcoming season. When will the NFL season start, and what are some key dates to know?
When Does the NFL Preseason Start?
The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3. The first preseason game is always the Hall of Fame Game, which has been played on the Thursday before the ceremony since the 2017 season. This year, the Hall of Fame Game will take place on Thursday, Aug. 1.
The Chicago Bears and Houston Texans will compete in the 2024 Hall of Fame Game. It remains to be seen if No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and sophomore sensation C.J. Stroud will take any snaps in the Hall of Fame Game.
MORE: Everything You Need To Know About The NFL’s Hall of Fame Game
This marks the first time in franchise history that the Texans have a Hall of Famer, as wide receiver Andre Johnson will be inducted. Meanwhile, the Bears have two former players joining the HOF: defensive lineman Steve McMichael and returner Devin Hester.
This is Chicago’s seventh appearance in the Hall of Fame Game, while Houston has participated only one other time (during their first season as an expansion team).
When Does the NFL Regular Season Start?
The NFL regular season starts on the Thursday night after Labor Day every season. This year, that will be Sept. 5, with the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens.
Two of the league’s biggest stars, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, will be under the bright lights as the Chiefs begin their three-peat attempt.
The Chiefs will aim to redeem themselves after last season’s opening loss to the Detroit Lions, 21-20.
Week 1 Thursday night opener: pic.twitter.com/FCiE256Jfu
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 13, 2024
In Week 1 of the 2024 season, there will be games played on Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday.
Having a Friday contest during opening week is new, with the NFL announcing that the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers will face off in Brazil on Sept. 6 at the Corinthians Arena.
Key NFL Offseason Dates
After the Super Bowl, the first major event is the NFL Scouting Combine, which was held from Feb. 27 to March 4 in Indianapolis.
Next up is NFL free agency, with teams designating players with a franchise or transition tag between Feb. 20 and March 5 at 4 p.m. ET.
Free agency got underway on March 11 at noon ET, when teams became eligible to contact unrestricted free agents and begin contract negotiations.
Two days later, at 4 p.m. ET, the 2024 league year started, and unrestricted free agents were able to officially sign with teams. The NFL’s franchise tag deadline is on July 15.
The 2024 NFL Draft took place from April 25-27 in Detroit.
The 2024 regular-season schedule was released on May 15.
After rookie minicamps in April, OTAs take place throughout May and June. Then, training camps get underway in late July.