Hall of Fame Game, Standouts, New Kickoff, and Hall of Fame Class of 2024

Today set the mark of a new NFL season as the Chicago Bears took on the Houston Texans in the Hall of Fame game. The game sadly got cut short due to a thunderstorm in the area after officials in New York discussed with some weather professionals, and they decided that it was best to cancel the remainder of the contest. The end result was decided with just over 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter as the Chicago Bears were announced the winners getting a 21 to 17 victory.

Despite the game getting cut short, there still were many standout performances on the night. Leading the way was wide receiver Collin Johnson, having a great performance with two touchdowns and 56 yards receiving on only three catches. Brett Rypien also had a good night throwing for three touchdowns with zero turnovers. As for the Texans the stand out player on offense was Bobby Skowronek who has some impeccable catches, including a one handed snag on the run from well behind him, even though that catch didn’t do much for the offense that drive. The Texans overall standout was easily rookie strong safety Calen Bullock who had a massive forced fumble against tight end Tommy Sweeney as well as some other crucial plays for the Houston defense.

Seeing the new kick off Live for a game for the first time was very interesting as the NFL adopted the XFL’s rules to kick off. The new kickoff rule is as follows…For a standard kickoff the ball is kicked from the 35 yard line with 10 coverage players lined up at the opposing 45 with 5 players on each side of the field. Players other than the kicker and returners are not allowed to move until the returner has made contact with the ball. The new kick off rule is supposed to be more exciting as it’s easier to burst off for a huge gain on returns with the closer to contact blocking, as well as being safer since players don’t have a running start down field. 

However, there were no big gains in tonight’s contest as this was the first time any of these players have in a real game simulated this format of kickoffs. On the other hand there was a big muffed kick return by Bears receiver Dante Pettis, which was recovered by the Texans.

Sadly, there already have been two injuries in the NFL season as tight end Teagan Quintario was carted off the field during the second quarter. He is being evaluated for a low body injury. Linebacker Jake Hansen also suffered an injury for the Texans during tonight’s performance against Chicago. Hopefully both players will be alright as there has been no update on their injuries thus far. Thankfully Chicago was able to escape the night without any injuries.

As for the new players inducted into the Hall of Fame here is a look at the Hall of Fame class of 2024. Dwight Freeney, the defensive end primarily known for his time with the Indianapolis Colts from 2002 to 2012 leads off the list of new Hall of Famers. Freeney was a three time first team all pro during his 11 years with the Colts and is a seven time pro bowler. Sweeney no doubt has been one of the most consistent and impactful edge rushers of the Super Bowl era as Dwight spins into the Hall of Fame. 

All time great kick returner Devin Hester finally was inducted in the Hall of Fame. Hester has a regular season touchdown returns record of 19. 14 punt return scores and 5 kickoff return scores all in one year. Hester spent most of his career with the Bears, from 2006 to 2013. Devin Hester revolutionized the kick return game and he well-deserved the selection to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. 

Randy Gradishar was one of the first players from the “Orange Crush” defense for the Broncos playing in Denver from 1974 to 1983. Randy has a franchise record 2,049 tackles and may be the most impressive player from this year‘s inductees having seven pro bowls, a four time all pro, as well as being a defensive player of the year, and NEVER missing a game in his entire career. Randy’s feats simply were unthinkable for his time. 

The Texans own Andre Johnson also got nominated into the Hall of Fame. The explosive receiver had over 14,000 career receiving yards and 70 touchdowns throughout his career. Andre led the league twice in receptions and receiving yards, and has the most all time games with at least 10 receptions and at least 100 yards receiving. Andre Johnson and the best receiver to ever do it, Jerry Rice are the only players to have multiple 1,400 yard seasons after the age of 30. Andre goes down as the very first Houston Texan to ever get a gold jacket.

The great Julius Peppers also got inducted this year. Peppers spent most of his time with the Carolina Panthers from 2002 to 2009. Peppers is fourth all-time in sacks with 159.5. Peppers was a 1st team all pro 3 times and was named to the all decade team on the 2000s. Julius’ reliability and consistency at such a high level throughout a ridiculously long career well deserves a spot in Canton.

49ers legendary linebacker, Patrick Willis also got inducted this year. Patrick Willis in his seven healthy seasons was a seven time pro bowler and five time first team all pro. Willis was selected to the all decade team of the 2010s, despite playing only half of the decade. Willis was an immediate superstar, leading the league in tackles his rookie season with 174 and had five 120 tackle seasons as the signal caller for the 49ers defense. In his eight seasons Willis tied the league in forced fumbles and was second in pass deflections, as well as making the most solo tackles during his time. Willis may be the best inside linebacker of all time and well deserves his jacket.

Finally, Steve McMichael was inducted into the Hall of Fame, best known for his time with the Chicago Bears from 1981 to 1993. As an interior defensive lineman McMichael had seven seasons with at least eight sacks. There are only four other defensive tackles to have more seasons with at least eight. Steve was a first team all pro twice, and was a key player for an all-time great ’85 Bears defense.