Football Is Back!

August 1, 2024

By Carter Rennyson

The Houston Texans will face the Chicago Bears tonight in the first preseason game of the 2024-25 NFL season. Although many starters may not take the field, the game signifies the regular season is just around the corner.

The Texans were the first team to start training camp and have high expectations for their season. They added Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon to bolster an offense led by reigning Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. This deep team aims to challenge the Chiefs come playoff time.

The Bears, still benefiting from their trade with Carolina, selected Caleb Williams with the first overall pick they received in that trade. They added Keenan Allen, D’Andre Swift, and Rome Odunze to help the rookie. With D.J. Moore’s new extension, the Bears hope to contend with the Lions and Packers for the division crown.

In Canton, Ohio, seven footballers will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. Dwight Freeney, Randy Gradishar, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Steve McMichael, Julius Peppers, and Patrick Willis will be the newest members of the Hall of Fame.

Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers, and Steve McMichael are the defensive linemen in this historic group. Freeney spent most of his career with the Indianapolis Colts and was a leader on defense alongside Robert Mathis during the Peyton Manning era. Peppers is perhaps the best player in Carolina Panthers history. He is fourth on the all-time sacks list and was a member of the 2000s and 2010s NFL All-Decade Teams. Steve McMichael was a member of the 1985 Chicago Bears who won Super Bowl XX. McMichael was a dominant lineman for the Bears, totaling 95 sacks over his 15-year career.

Randy Gradishar played linebacker for the Denver Broncos from 1974 to 1983. He won Defensive Player of the Year in 1978 and had over 2,000 tackles in his career. Patrick Willis, who only played eight seasons in the NFL, made a huge impact during his time. He was a five-time First-Team All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowler. Willis was a hard-hitting middle linebacker who anchored the 49ers defense before his early retirement.

Andre Johnson is one of the best receivers in Texans history. With over 14,000 yards and 70 touchdowns, Johnson posted some of the best numbers for a receiver during his era. He was also a member of the 2001 Miami Hurricanes, who won the National Championship, and the Miami track and field team.

Devin Hester is the best return specialist in the history of football. Another Miami Hurricane, Hester was drafted by the Bears in the second round but made an immediate impact. His rookie season is one of the best in NFL history. He had 20 return touchdowns in his career, including one to open Super Bowl XLI.

Tonight is a celebration of football. The unofficial start of the season, coupled with the celebration of the remarkable achievements of these seven legendary players, is a great way to kick off August.