The Denver Broncos will take on the Atlanta Falcons in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio on Thursday, kicking off NFL preseason.
The Broncos were selected to play in the game because former cornerback and late owner Pat Bowlen are part of this year’s Hall of Fame class. The Falcons were chosen because former tight end Tony Gonzalez will also be inducted this week.
Because the Hall of Fame Game takes place one week before the start of regular preseason games, Denver and Atlanta were permitted to begin training camp a week early. Broncos coach Vic Fangio appreciates having the extra time to get players ready for the season.
“I’m glad we have it,” Fangio said on July 17. “I think it’s a great opportunity for us to have five extra practices. We need it. We are a new staff and a new team, a lot of new things going on. It gives us an extra game to play young players and help our evaluation. I see no negatives to it myself.”
Playing in the extra exhibition game will also give players an opportunity to visit the Hall of Fame, most of them for the first time.
“I think playing in the game and going there early, the team’s going to get a chance to go through the Hall of Fame, which I think is very important because the young guys, a lot of them haven’t been there,” general manager John Elway said on July 17.
“To be able to go through the Hall of Fame and what it’s meant and look up to the guys that are there that have been their heroes, I think is a great educational process for our team.”
After the Broncos play in Thursday’s game, Bailey and Bowlen will be inducted during an enshrinement ceremony on Saturday.
