The Denver Broncos have two members entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019–Champ Bailey and Pat Bowlen. As a result, the NFL, announced that Denver will face the Atlanta Falcons in the annual Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, August 1. The preseason exhibition will be the official kickoff for the NFL’s 100th season.
“With Mr. Bowlen and Champ Bailey part of this year’s induction class, it’s an honor for the Broncos to play in the Hall of Fame Game,” head coach Vic Fangio said in a release. “We’re looking forward to seeing a lot of Broncos fans in Canton, and it’s special for us to help kick off the NFL’s 100th season.”
The early exhibition will be Denver’s fourth appearance in the Hall of Fame Game all-time. In previous matchups, the Broncos are 1-2.
“Football-wise, it gives our team an extra week of Training Camp and additional practices that we’ll use to our advantage.”
The Broncos’ complete schedule, including preseason contests, is expected to be released in April.