The Hall of Fame Game between the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans was cut short due to weather, with lightning strikes causing the cancellation of the game in the third quarter. The match featured mostly backups and players looking to secure roles as backups or make their way onto practice squads. Despite the cancellation, the game was shaping up to be a high-scoring affair.
While the Bears technically won the game, the true winners were society as a whole, as football being back is always a good thing. Collin Johnson of the Bears stood out with an impressive performance, scoring two touchdowns and racking up 56 receiving yards. On the other hand, sports bettors were left disappointed as many sportsbooks voided bets due to the game not being completed.
The Hall of Fame 2024 class, including players like Julius Peppers and Devin Hester, had their weekend festivities dampened by the thunderstorms. Although they are deserving Hall of Famers, the class was seen as underwhelming compared to upcoming classes that will include big names like Tom Brady and Aaron Donald.
The cancellation of the game may have been disappointing for fans and bettors, but the early end did not diminish the excitement of football being back in action. As the preseason continues, we can look forward to more games and players making their mark as they strive to earn spots on their respective teams. Despite the ups and downs of the Hall of Fame Game, the return of football is a win for everyone involved.