Sports world reacts to NFL Hall of Fame Game being canceled

Tom Benson Pro Football Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio

Sobering news broke early Thursday morning when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the NFL Hall of Fame Game has been canceled.

Details on the Hall of Fame Game being canceled

The Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers were slated to play on Aug. 6 but will instead have to wait a year to play in Canton. Additionally, the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony this summer is reportedly delayed until next summer as well.

The Cowboys and Steelers, who were scheduled to play in this year’s preseason opener, now are expected to play in the 2021 Hall of Fame game next summer, per sources. The HOF enshrinement ceremony also is expected to be held then.https://t.co/1dGl2DX2iq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 25, 2020

This development also causes a ripple effect. It bumps the two teams’ training camp schedule and could herald other reporting date changes as well.

Cowboys and Steelers had been scheduled to report to training camp July 22 – six days ahead of most other NFL teams – because of the Hall of Fame game. But now their reporting date will be pushed back; question is whether others will, too.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 25, 2020

It’s the first NFL-related event that has been forced to cancel this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Is it the last? That’s what was on everyone’s mind as news broke that the Hall of Fame Game is being canceled.

NFL Hall of Fame Classic has been cancelled. I have a feeling that’s just the beginning. This sucks!
— Isaac Simpson (@Isaac__NBA) June 25, 2020

Hall of Fame Game cancelled. They bout to take the NFL 😫
— Keith McPherson (@Keith_McPherson) June 25, 2020

A disaster for, my hometown, Canton. The city has invested millions leading up the NFL centennial. Even if 2021 bounces back, it will never be what 2020 was supposed to be. Taxpayers now own a $12m "Centennial Plaza" for a celebration that isnt happening. https://t.co/RompQZUevE
— Kevin Fisher 🌊🏈⚾🏀🎸 (@kfishercanton) June 25, 2020

Is this the first step toward no @NFL season. The Hall of fame game cancelled. As well as the induction. @ProFootballHOF
— John Doucette (@radiodoucette) June 25, 2020

BREAKING: The #NFL has canceled the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game between the #Steelers and #Cowboys due to the COVID-19 pandemic, per @AdamSchefter. The cancellation could be an indication that the league plans fo shorten this year's preseason.
— Catch The Blitz (@catchtheblitz) June 25, 2020

Had to be done. Too much risk for NFL fans coming in from different parts of the country to Canton. The last thing Ohio needed was Canton, Ohio being the latest #COVID19 hotspot following the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony and game. #NFL #HOF https://t.co/AqzDA5qx8L
— Kevin Lockett (@kevinlockett) June 25, 2020