The 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game provides us with the first taste of football since February.
Although the first preseason game won't deliver in terms of quality compared to the regular season, it produces the first glimpse of exciting rookies and how they might gel with veterans.
The Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears participate in Thursday's contest in Canton, Ohio, to start a celebration of football's greatest players, including 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher.
Thursday's action will feature most players further down the depth chart, as the Hall of Fame Game serves as a fifth preseason contest for the two franchises.