The annual Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony marks the official start of the NFL preseason.
The 2018 class of Hall of Fame inductees features a loaded roster of feared defensive leaders, two of the greatest receivers of all time, and offensive line stalwarts.
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Here's everything you need to know about the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony and weekend events in Canton, Ohio.
When is the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony?
The class of 2018 will be formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 4. The ceremony will start at 7 p.m. ET and last until 10 p.m. The event will be broadcast live via NFL Network and ESPN. You can also live stream the event via the NFL app, Watch ESPN app and online at ESPN.com.
2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees
This year's Hall of Fame class includes contributor Bobby Beathard, linebacker Robert Brazile, safety Brian Dawkins, guard Jerry Kramer, linebacker Ray Lewis, wide receiver Randy Moss, wide receiver Terrell Owens, and linebacker Brian Urlacher. All inductees will be speaking at the ceremony except for Owens.
Just Announced: The official speech order for the 2018 Enshrinement Ceremony on Aug. 4th #PFHOF18 pic.twitter.com/I7xibsFoav
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) July 17, 2018
Here is a snippet of each inductee's bio from the official Pro Football HOF website:
| Bobby Beathard |
| Beathard was a highly regarded personnel administrator during his 33-year career which included stints with the Kansas City Chiefs (1966-67), Atlanta Falcons (1968-1971), Miami Dolphins (1972-77), Washington Redskins (1978-1988) and San Diego Chargers (1990-99). |
| Robert Brazile |
| Brazile was a preeminent linebacker in the NFL during a career that spanned from 1975 to 1984 with the Houston Oilers. |
| Brian Dawkins |
| A nine-time Pro Bowler, Dawkins was named All-Pro and All-NFC five times. In addition to being named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s, Dawkins is a member of the Eagles 75th Anniversary Team and the Exclusive NFL Defensive Club (players with at least 35 career interceptions and 20 career sacks). |
| Jerry Kramer |
| The guard was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round (39th player overall) of the 1958 NFL Draft. He starred for the Green Bay Packers from 1958 to 1968 playing most of his 11-season career under the direction of Hall of Fame Coach Vince Lombardi. |
| Ray Lewis |
| A 12-time Pro Bowl selection, Lewis received first-team All-Pro honors eight times during his career. He was recognized as the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2000 and 2003, and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s. |
| Randy Moss |
| Moss caught 10 or more touchdown passes in nine seasons and had 10 seasons with 1,000 yards receiving. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Moss received first-team All-Pro honors four times and was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s. |
| Terrell Owens |
| Named All-Pro five times (2000-02, 2004, 2007) and an All-NFC choice four times, Owens was selected to six Pro Bowls. He was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of 2000s. |
| Brian Urlacher |
| An eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Urlacher received first-team All-Pro honors five times and was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s. |
Why isn’t Terrell Owens at the HOF ceremony?
Terrell Owens announced in June that he would not be attending the Hall of Fame's induction ceremony. Instead, he will give his acceptance speech at his alma mater, the Univ. of Tennessee at Chattanooga, in McKenzie Arena. The event will kick off at 3:17 p.m. ET — symbolizing the fact Owens will be the 317th player inducted into the Pro Football HOF, according to TMZ — hours before the ceremony in Canton.
🗣🎤🧥🏈🍿😎 pic.twitter.com/SMz2KlZwzz
— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) July 3, 2018
MORE: Hall of Fame won't mention Terrell Owens at induction ceremony
When is the NFL's Hall of Fame game?
The Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens will face off in the Hall of Fame game Thursday, Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. This will be the Ravens' first ever appearance at the Hall of Fame game, while the Bears will be making their fifth appearance. The game will take place at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
Hall of Fame 2018: Schedule of events
| Date | Time (ET) | Event |
| Thursday, Aug. 2 | 8 p.m. | Hall of Fame game: Bears vs. Ravens |
| Saturday, Aug. 4 | 7-10 p.m. | Enshrinement ceremony |
| Sunday, Aug. 5 | 8 p.m. | Concert for Legends featuring Maroon 5 (with Lee Brice) |