Texans Prepare for Hall of Fame Game and Andre Johnson’s Induction
The Houston Texans are gearing up for the Hall of Fame Game, which will kick off the 2024 preseason and mark the first NFL game since the Super Bowl earlier this year. The Texans, who showed promise in an unlikely playoff run in 2023, will face off against the Chicago Bears in Canton, Ohio. This game holds special significance for Texans fans as it coincides with the induction of legendary wide receiver Andre Johnson into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame Game will be broadcast on ABC13, Houston’s exclusive home of the Texans in the preseason. ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” crew, consisting of Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Lisa Salters, will provide the play-by-play commentary. The game will start at 7 p.m. CT and will be followed by analysis and live coverage of the Texans’ post-game news conferences on Eyewitness News at 10 p.m. CT. Additionally, ESPN and ESPN+ will also be airing the game, giving fans multiple ways to tune in.
Prior to the game, fans can catch Countdown to Kickoff on ABC13, where sports director Greg Bailey will provide a pregame look into the event live from Canton. This will give fans a chance to get excited about the game and learn more about the significance of Andre Johnson’s induction into the Hall of Fame.
Speaking of Andre Johnson, his official induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame will take place on the same weekend as the Hall of Fame Game. Johnson, a seven-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro wide receiver, received the nod several days before Super Bowl LVIII. He will be joined by other football greats, including Devin Hester, Steve McMichael, Julus Peppers, Dwight Freeney, Patrick Willis, and Randy Gradisher. The enshrinement ceremony will start at noon CT and will be broadcast on ESPN and NFL Network.
While fans may be eager to see star players like C.J. Stroud and Caleb Williams in action, it’s important to manage expectations for the Hall of Fame Game. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has stated that the game will primarily be an opportunity for younger players to compete for roster spots. With the game being an extra matchup in the preseason schedule, the focus will be on evaluating and developing these young talents. As a result, it’s unlikely that players like Stroud and Williams will see much playing time, as the coaching staff will be cautious with their usage.
The Bears have also made it clear that they won’t be inserting Caleb Williams or any other starters into the Hall of Fame Game. Instead, QB Tyson Bagent will be starting for the Bears. This decision aligns with the overall approach of treating the game as an opportunity for younger players to showcase their skills.
It’s worth noting that this won’t be the only Texans-Bears matchup of the season. Fans can look forward to a regular season game between the two teams on September 15, which will take place at NRG Stadium in Houston. This matchup will be a chance for both teams to compete when it truly matters and may feature the star players who sit out the Hall of Fame Game. Tickets for the game are available for purchase, with prices starting as low as $151.
Overall, the Hall of Fame Game and Andre Johnson’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame offer an exciting start to the 2024 NFL season for Texans fans. While the game may not showcase the team’s star players, it provides an opportunity for younger talents to shine and compete for roster spots. Additionally, the regular season rematch between the Texans and Bears adds another layer of anticipation for fans. So mark your calendars and get ready for some football!
