What Is 1968 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1968 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was an exhibition match played on August 2, 1968, between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Redskins, ending in a 24–24 tie. It marked the first Hall of Fame Game held after the NFL-AFL merger agreement and was played in Canton, Ohio, to honor inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Key Facts

The 1968 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was played on August 2, 1968.
It featured the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Washington Redskins.
The game ended in a 24–24 tie, making it the only tie in Hall of Fame Game history.
It was the first Hall of Fame Game held after the 1966 NFL-AFL merger agreement.
The game took place at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Overview

The 1968 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was a historic exhibition match that served as both a celebration of professional football’s legacy and a symbolic bridge between eras. Played on August 2, 1968, in Canton, Ohio, it marked the first Hall of Fame Game held after the NFL and AFL agreed to merge in 1966, setting a precedent for future preseason matchups.

This game uniquely ended in a 24–24 tie, a result never repeated in the history of the Hall of Fame Game series. It featured the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Redskins, two franchises with growing legacies, and was part of the annual enshrinement festivities honoring new members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

August 2, 1968 was the official date of the game, making it the 16th Hall of Fame Game since the tradition began in 1962.
The matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins was selected to showcase both established and rising NFL franchises.
The final score of 24–24 remains the only tie in the history of the Hall of Fame Game, due to the absence of overtime rules in preseason play at the time.
Played at Fawcett Stadium, now known as Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, the venue has hosted the game annually except during special cancellations.
The game coincided with the enshrinement of five new Hall of Famers, including Raymond Berry and Frank Gatski, adding ceremonial significance.

How It Works

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game functions as both an exhibition and a ceremonial kickoff to the NFL preseason, aligning with the induction of new Hall of Fame members. The format includes NFL teams selected by the league to play a preseason game in Canton, Ohio, during the first weekend of August.

Exhibition Format: The game is an NFL preseason contest with modified rules, including no overtime, which allowed the 1968 tie to stand. Teams use it to evaluate rookies and backups.
Historical Timing: Since 1962, the game has been played annually in early August, directly following the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony, linking sport and legacy.
Team Selection: The NFL chooses two teams each year, often based on marquee players entering the Hall or franchise anniversaries, such as the 1968 Steelers and Redskins.
Location: Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio, is the permanent home of the game, located adjacent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame building.
Scoring Rules: In 1968, preseason games did not include overtime, so tied scores at regulation end were recorded as draws, unlike regular-season games.
Legacy Integration: The game honors new Hall of Fame inductees by featuring teams connected to their careers, enhancing the emotional and historical weight of the event.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1968 Hall of Fame Game stands out when compared to other years due to its unique result and historical context.

Year	Teams	Score	Overtime?	Significance
1968	Steelers vs. Redskins	24–24	No	Only tie in Hall of Fame Game history
1967	Browns vs. Cowboys	20–17	No	Pre-merger NFL vs. AFL rivalry preview
1969	Vikings vs. Cowboys	20–13	No	Post-merger competitive tone
1970	Rams vs. Colts	17–16	No	First game after official NFL-AFL merger
2021	Buccaneers vs. Cowboys	20–17	Yes	First game after pandemic cancellation

This comparison highlights how the 1968 game was unique not only for its tied score but also for occurring during a transitional phase in NFL history. While later games adapted rules and formats, the 1968 edition remains a historical anomaly due to its unresolved outcome and symbolic timing just two years after the merger announcement.

Why It Matters

The 1968 Pro Football Hall of Defence Game holds enduring significance for NFL historians, fans, and the Hall of Fame institution itself. Its legacy extends beyond the field, influencing how exhibition games are perceived and remembered.

The 24–24 tie remains a trivia milestone, illustrating how rule differences in preseason play can lead to rare outcomes not seen in regular-season games.
It marked the first Hall of Fame Game after the 1966 merger announcement, symbolizing unity between NFL and AFL franchises before full integration.
The game elevated the profile of the Hall of Fame enshrinement weekend, turning it into a marquee event combining ceremony and competition.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was an early moment in building team identity before their 1970s dynasty.
It set a precedent for future team selections based on Hall of Fame inductees’ affiliations, strengthening emotional connections for fans.
The absence of a winner underscored the exhibition nature of preseason games, emphasizing player evaluation over competitive results.

Today, the 1968 game is remembered not for a champion, but for its historical context and unique place in NFL lore. It remains a testament to football’s evolving traditions and the cultural importance of honoring its legends.