The Hall of Fame Game has been played annually since 1966. It was first played on a Sunday afternoon, and was then moved to a Monday night to accommodate the NFL-AFL merger. Before the move, the Hall of Fame Game was held on a Saturday afternoon. In 1998, the game was canceled due to a labor lockout. After a labor agreement was reached, the game returned to its regular Saturday morning schedule. In 2013, it was canceled again due to a COVID-19 pandemic. However, the game is now scheduled for a Monday night and is once again a primetime game.

The first Hall of Fame Game was played in 1962. The New York Giants faced the St. Louis Cardinals, but ended up drawing 21-21. The Hall of Fame Game was played every year until 2001, when it was canceled because of the NFL lockout, poor field conditions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and severe lightning. After the 2002 season start date change, it is now played on the first Sunday of August.

The Hall of Fame Game is played on the day after the NFL inducts players into the hall of fame. In 1999, four expansion teams were drafted and played in the Hall of Fame Game as their first game. The Cleveland Browns, who returned to the NFL in 1999, played the game as the second team. The Browns won the Super Bowl that year, and are considered the best wide receiver in league history.

The Hall of Fame Game has been canceled several times. In 1996, the New York Giants were the first expansion team to play. They played the St. Louis Cardinals, who were not officially an expansion franchise. In 1999, the Kansas City Chiefs were the first to play in the Hall of Fame Game. Despite the absence of any expansion teams, the Hall of Fame Game was still held despite the lack of the NFL lockout. In 2010, a COVID-19 pandemic forced the NFL to postpone the game.

Historically, the Hall of Fame Game is a popular event. Its purpose is to celebrate the greatest players in the NFL. The Hall of Fame Game has become a tradition for football fans, and the game has been played annually since the first year it was held. This event is held every year in the NFL. The first Hall of Fame Game is held on the anniversary of the first Super Bowl. The next two years are also the year for the first Super Bowl.

Originally, the Hall of Fame Game was held in August. After the NFL-AFL merger, the Hall of Fame Game was played in September. In 1970, the Hall of Famers played the St. Louis Cardinals. The game was played every year until 2002. The first Hall of Fame Game was canceled due to the NFL lockout and poor field conditions. It was also not a good year for the NFL.