The field at the Hall of Fame Game in Canton between the Texans and Bears featured a common theme of the game, players losing their footing. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Aug 1, 2024; Canton, Ohio, USA; General view of the logo at mid-field at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium site of the Professional Football Hall of Fame game and Class of 2024 induction ceremonies. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday was a big day for NFL fans as the preseason got officially underway, with the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears squaring off in the Hall of Fame Game. It also served as an annual reminder of one of the Hall of Fame Game’s most consistent issues — the playing surface.

Players had difficulty gaining traction on the field at Canton’s Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Never was that more apparent than during a kickoff return in the second quarter.

Houston return man Steven Sims was several yards away from any person and did not seem to be doing anything more than running straight ahead. Still, he fell to the ground.


While that was the most notable example, players struggling to maintain their footing was a constant talking point during the game.

Fortunately, the 2024 game was not as bad as we’ve seen previously. Despite that, it’s unfortunate that this continues as such a lingering issue at a game that’s long been an annual tradition.

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