NFL cancels Hall of Fame Game because of COVID-19 pandemic

The first step of the 2020 NFL season? Whistled for a false start.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the league has canceled the Aug. 6 Hall of Fame Game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys in Canton, Ohio.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday that the game and all associated events, including the induction of the 2020 class, will take place next year.

“The health and safety of our Hall of Famers, fans and volunteers who make Enshrinement Week so special remains our top priority,” David Baker, president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said in a statement. “The Hall will honor the Centennial Class of 2020 next August, along with what promises to be an equally spectacular Class of 2021, as part of a multi-day celebration of football with an atmosphere that will deliver for fans ‘Twice the Fun in ’21.’”

The Steelers and Cowboys will play in the next Hall of Fame Game, scheduled for Aug. 5, 2021.