At long last, football is back Thursday night as the Los Angeles Chargers take on the Detroit Lions in the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While it’s just the preseason and many starters won't be taking the field, several notable names will still suit up—including former first-round pick Trey Lance, who drew the start at quarterback for the Chargers. Lance is currently competing with veteran Taylor Heinicke for the backup role behind Justin Herbert, while also aiming to show enough promise to earn a potential starting opportunity elsewhere down the line.
NFL Fans Loved What Jim Harbaugh Did Before Hall of Fame Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
At long last, football is back Thursday night as the Los Angeles Chargers take on the Detroit Lions in the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
While it’s just the preseason and many starters won't be taking the field, several notable names will still suit up—including former first-round pick Trey Lance, who drew the start at quarterback for the Chargers.
Lance is currently competing with veteran Taylor Heinicke for the backup role behind Justin Herbert, while also aiming to show enough promise to earn a potential starting opportunity elsewhere down the line.
That said, despite it being the preseason, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh stayed true to his trademark energy. Before the game, he was seen performing his classic ritual: hyping up his quarterback by aggressively smacking their shoulder pads—a move he's made famous at both the college and NFL levels. Fans took notice and loved every second of it.
Check it out:
"Jim Harbaugh poppin' pads," NFL reacted. "We are so back."
Jim Harbaugh poppin' pads. We are so back.@ProFootballHOF Game on NBC
— NFL (@NFL) August 1, 2025
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/mf1e3mBukd
"This is what we love to see," a fan said.
Someone else added, "We are so back."
Another person wrote, "I love it."
"Jimmy loves football," one more fan commented.
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Whatever Harbaugh did seemed to work, as Lance looked comfortable from the very first series. Following a fumble recovery on the opening kickoff, he led the Chargers offense inside the five-yard line and capped the drive with a fourth-down touchdown pass to tight end Will Dissly. Lance finished the first quarter completing 6-of-8 passes for 59 yards and a touchdown
Lance began his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers and was once in line for a legitimate starting opportunity, but that changed after he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2. In his absence, seventh-round pick Brock Purdy unexpectedly broke out and ultimately solidified himself as the team's starter.
Lance spent the 2024 season with the Dallas Cowboys and now finds himself under the guidance of quarterback guru Jim Harbaugh, competing in a talented Chargers quarterback room.
Related: John Harbaugh Draws Strong Reaction With Bold Lamar Jackson Statement
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
