What You Need to Know: Hall of Fame Game – Steelers vs. Cowboys

by Joe Kuzma (joe_kuzma) on August 5, 2021

What You Need to Know is a weekly series featuring a quick glance at the upcoming Steelers game, including odds, records, things to watch for, and how to watch/listen to the game.

Gameday Information

Date: Thursday, August 5th, 2021
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium (Canton, OH)
TV: FOX (8:00 PM ET)
Radio: NFL Game Pass, Westwood One, Sirius XM
Home Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Visiting Team: Dallas Cowboys
Fans will be allowed to attend in person

Information about the teams playing, game history

The 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame game will kick off the NFL preseason with the Steelers hosting the Cowboys. Both teams were scheduled to face off in the 2020 Hall of Fame game before the NFL postponed it due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most frequently, the teams selected to play in the game have a former player, coach, owner, or other notable member of their organization being inducted into the Hall of Fame following the action on the field. This year, the Steelers have several inductees who will be enshrined.

Although the game is largely a ceremonial exhibition, from 1971 to 2010, matchups typically included one team from each NFL conference (the AFC and the NFC) but, in 2011, the tradition was altered in order to feature teams with at least one distinguished alumnus who were to be inducted that year.

The Steelers and Cowboys have met each other in the Hall of Fame game the most times in history; this year will mark the seventh appearance between them. All 32 NFL teams have been featured at least once in the game over the years.

Appearances

The Steelers last appeared in the Hall of Fame game in 2015; the Cowboys in 2017. Both teams share a 3-3-0 win-loss record in their six previous appearances.

The Steelers have previously appeared in the game in 1963, ’64, ’83, ’98, 2007, and 2015. The Cowboys previously appeared in 1968, ’79, ’99, 2010, 2013, and 2017.