The NFL chooses the teams for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. The league says the matchup often includes teams associated with that year’s inductees, but “often” describes a pattern—not a guaranteed rule.
Who picks the Hall of Fame Game teams?
The NFL selects the two teams. Its public explanation says the teams are “chosen by the league” and “often feature teams associated with those being inducted that year.” The statement does not identify a specific decision-maker within the league or publish a complete selection formula. NFL.com’s 2025 Hall of Fame Week explainer gives the clearest description of the practice.
How do inductee connections factor in?
A connection between a team and an incoming Hall of Famer is a common feature of the matchup, not a requirement the NFL says it applies every year. The game is a preseason exhibition in Canton, Ohio, during the week of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement, giving the league an occasion to highlight franchises represented in that year’s class.
2026: Cardinals and Panthers
For the 2026 game, Arizona was paired with Carolina. The NFL described the matchup as fitting because Cardinals great Larry Fitzgerald and Panthers great Luke Kuechly were both in the Class of 2026. Hall President and CEO Jim Porter said the teams were eager to come to Canton and celebrate class members who had meant so much to their organizations. The NFL’s announcement documents that connection.
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2025: Chargers and Lions
The Los Angeles Chargers played the Detroit Lions in 2025. Antonio Gates, a longtime Charger, was among that year’s inductees, another example of a participating team being linked to the class. The NFL’s event explainer identifies the matchup as part of Enshrinement week.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is not established about the selection process?
The NFL’s public description does not say that an inductee connection is mandatory, nor does it give a full list of factors the league weighs. The cited announcements do not establish geography, television ratings, team requests, competitive balance, or a set timetable as selection criteria. Those may sound plausible, but they should not be presented as confirmed rules.
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This is about choosing the two teams for a preseason game, not electing players, coaches, or contributors to the Hall of Fame. The Hall’s selection committee is not identified in the NFL’s explanation as the body that picks the matchup.
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