NFL Hall of Fame game 2023: Date, time, teams & how to watch
By Peter Panacy
The 49ers don't have to worry about playing in the annual Hall of Fame game for another year, but we've still got you covered as far as how to watch.
It's been a long, long time since the San Francisco 49ers played in the annual Hall of Fame game that coincides with the induction of the latest class of players, coaches and personalities into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
In fact, one would have to go back to 2000 to find the last time the Niners played in this game, and that was to commemorate the inductions of San Francisco legends Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott and Dave Wilcox.
The 49ers won't be playing in the 2023 Hall of Fame game. Instead, that honor winds up going to two AFC teams who have some notable players scheduled for enshrinement that doesn't count for anything and typically boasts some pretty unwatchable football.
But it's professional football, and it's back after being gone for months.
Which teams are playing in the 2023 Hall of Fame game?
The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns are playing each other in this year's Hall of Fame game.
Jets legends Darrelle Revis and Joe Klecko are to be enshrined in this year's Hall of Fame class, as well as Browns longtime left tackle Joe Thomas.
Where is the Hall of Fame game played?
The game will be played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, which is located just outside the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
When is the 2023 Hall of Fame game?
The 2023 Hall of Fame game will take place on Thursday, Aug. 3 at 8 p.m. ET.
After this game, all 32 teams across the league will commence their three-week exhibition period known as the preseason.
Read more: When does the 2023 NFL preseason start?
Read more: NFL preseason 2023 TV schedule: Full list of nationally televised games
The 2023 regular season will begin in September.
How to watch the 2023 Hall of Fame game
The 2023 Hall of Fame game will be broadcast nationally on NBC, and fans can check their local television affiliates to see what channel NBC will air the game.
Additionally, fans wishing to stream the game may sign up for fuboTV, which offers a free seven-day trial for first-time users.
Few, if any, starters and primary backups will partake in the game, and it'll likely be a pretty ho-hum contest. That said, after months of being without football, most fans will happily tune into this bout between Gang Green and the Dog Pound just to finally partake in watching some pigskin.