Texans to Kick Off 2024 NFL Preseason in Hall of Fame Game vs. Bears

The Houston Texans will open their 2024 preseason schedule against the Chicago Bears, as part of the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.

AFC Divisional Playoffs - Houston Texans v Baltimore Ravens / Rob Carr/GettyImages

HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans will kick off the 2024 NFL preseason against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Aug. 1 in Canton, Ohio at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in the annual Hall of Fame Game.

The game will coincide with legend Andre Johnson becoming the first player in franchise history to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Texans will take the field as the visitors, while the Bears have been designated as the home team.

AFC Divisional Playoffs - Houston Texans v Baltimore Ravens / Rob Carr/GettyImages

"This game features two teams that finished the 2023 season strong and have key pieces in place for 2024," Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said. "Bears fans have always supported their Hall of Famers, and they can welcome three more who will be enshrined in Canton this year, while Texans fans can see the franchise’s first Hall of Famer up close as part of the game and Enshrinement Weekend. The Pro Football Hall of Fame could not be any more excited about this year’s matchup – and this year’s class."

This matchup will mark Houston's second all-time appearance in the Hall of Fame game and their first since 2002, which took place before the franchise’s inaugural season. For the Bears, it will be their sixth trip to Canton. Their most recent trip came ahead of the 2018 season.

Johnson began his career with the Texans as the No. 3 pick of the 2003 NFL Draft from the University of Miami. In 12 seasons in Houston, Johnson became the franchise’s all-time leader in career receiving yards (13,597), receptions (1,012), and receiving touchdowns (64).

In addition to Johnson, Devin Hester, Steve McMichael and Julius Peppers will join the Texan legend as part of the 2024 enshrinement class.