Play Football First Play

August 5, 2026 10:00 AM –11:30 AM

Overview

In partnership with the National Football League, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will kick off the NFL’s season and the 2026 Enshrinement Week on August 5, 2026.

For the 26th year, the national celebration will begin with Play Football First Play. This great event features thousands of children who form a human chain and pass a football along a 3-mile route from the location in downtown Canton where the NFL was founded to the front steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Play Football is a year-round NFL initiative celebrating youth and high school football. The initiative aims to shape football experiences for flag and tackle participants, highlight coaches and ambassadors who promote values of football participation and connect the football community through positive messages and experiences. For more information, please visit PlayFootball.com or follow @NFLPlayFootball.

Please let us know if you have any other questions or need additional information by emailing FirstPlay@ProFootballHOF.com.

(Note: Participant waiver required as part of registration process, which will open early this summer.)

Mapped location of Play Football First Play
Play Football First Play
Downtown Canton Downtown Canton & Pro Football Hall of Fame 2121 George Halas Drive Northwest Canton , Ohio 44708
(330) 456-8207
Admission: FREE
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