What Is 1971 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1971 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was played on August 7, 1971, between the Buffalo Bills and the Washington Redskins, ending in a 13–10 victory for Washington. It marked the first time the annual exhibition game was held after the Hall of Fame's official induction weekend began. The game took place in Canton, Ohio, at Fawcett Stadium.

Key Facts

Game date: August 7, 1971
Final score: Washington Redskins 13, Buffalo Bills 10
Location: Fawcett Stadium, Canton, Ohio
First Hall of Fame Game held during official induction weekend
Washington QB Billy Kilmer led game-winning drive in fourth quarter

Overview

The 1971 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was a significant milestone in NFL exhibition history, serving as the official kickoff to the Hall of Fame’s expanded induction weekend. Played on August 7, 1971, it featured the Buffalo Bills and the Washington Redskins in a tightly contested matchup that ended with a narrow 13–10 victory for Washington.

This game was notable not only for its competitive nature but also for its role in formalizing the Hall of Fame Game as an annual tradition tied directly to the enshrinement ceremonies. Held at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio, the event drew national attention and helped solidify the cultural importance of professional football’s heritage.

August 7, 1971 marked the official date of the game, making it the first Hall of Fame Game aligned with the formal induction weekend schedule.
The Washington Redskins defeated the Buffalo Bills by a score of 13–10, securing the win with a late fourth-quarter drive.
Fawcett Stadium, located in Canton, Ohio, served as the permanent home for the Hall of Fame Game and hosted this historic matchup.
Redskins quarterback Billy Kilmer led the decisive drive, showcasing composure under pressure despite facing a strong Bills defense.
The game helped establish the tradition of pairing the Hall of Fame induction ceremony with a live NFL exhibition, boosting fan engagement nationwide.

How It Works

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game functions as both a tribute to NFL legends and a preseason opener that blends ceremony with competition. Each year, two teams are selected to play in Canton, Ohio, shortly after the latest Hall of Fame class is enshrined.

Exhibition Format: The game is part of the NFL preseason and does not count toward regular-season records, allowing teams to test rookies and strategies.
Timing: Since 1971, the game has been held the weekend after the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, typically in early August.
Team Selection: The NFL chooses participating teams, often favoring franchises with historical significance or recent Hall of Fame inductees.
Venue:Fawcett Stadium, now known as Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, has hosted every Hall of Fame Game since 1970.
Player Participation: Starters usually play only a quarter or less, minimizing injury risk while still providing entertainment value.
Broadcasting: The game is nationally televised, increasing visibility for the Hall of Fame and the NFL’s preseason schedule.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1971 game stands out when compared to other early Hall of Fame Games due to its integration with the induction weekend and competitive finish.

Year	Teams	Score	Location	Significance
1962	Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants	20–17	Canton, OH	First Hall of Fame Game
1967	Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears	38–7	Canton, OH	First game at Fawcett Stadium
1970	St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams	27–21	Canton, OH	First game under official NFL sponsorship
1971	Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins	13–10	Canton, OH	First game tied to induction weekend
1972	Baltimore Colts vs. New York Giants	10–3	Canton, OH	Postponed due to player strike

The 1971 game set a precedent by aligning the exhibition with the induction festivities, a practice that continues today. Unlike earlier editions, which were loosely connected to the Hall, the 1971 event cemented a unified weekend of celebration and football.

Why It Matters

The 1971 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game played a crucial role in shaping how the NFL honors its history while promoting the upcoming season. Its success helped standardize the format for future years, making it a cornerstone of the preseason.

The game reinforced the link between legacy and live competition, allowing fans to celebrate past greats while watching future stars emerge.
Teams gained valuable roster evaluation time, using the game to assess young players and refine game plans before the regular season.
It boosted tourism in Canton, Ohio, turning a small city into a temporary hub of national football attention each August.
The media coverage increased significantly after 1971, helping the Hall of Fame attract more donations and visitors.
It established a predictable NFL calendar rhythm, with the Hall of Fame Game unofficially marking the start of the new football season.
The close score demonstrated that even preseason games could be competitive and entertaining, enhancing fan interest.

Today, the legacy of the 1971 game lives on in the annual tradition that continues to honor football legends while launching new NFL campaigns. Its impact endures in both cultural and logistical aspects of the league’s annual cycle.