When Does Football Preseason Begin? Key Dates Explained

By Sarah Miller · January 27, 2029

Football preseason typically begins in mid-July for the NFL, with organized team activities and training camps kicking off around July 15–25, depending on the team's schedule and player contracts.

Understanding Football Preseason Start Dates

The start of football preseason varies by league, level of play, and region. However, for professional American football, particularly the National Football League (NFL), the preseason is a critical phase that bridges the offseason and the regular season. It includes practices, scrimmages, and exhibition games designed to prepare players physically and tactically.

Key Leagues and Their Preseason Timelines

NFL: Training camps open in mid-July, with first preseason games usually in early August.
College Football (NCAA): Teams begin practice in early August, ahead of late-August kickoff.
High School Football: Varies by state, but most begin drills in late July or early August.
Canadian Football League (CFL): Training camps start in May, with preseason games in June.
European Leagues: Follow soccer calendars; "preseason" refers to summer preparation before league starts in August/September.

NFL Preseason Structure and Phases

The NFL preseason follows a structured timeline regulated by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). It ensures player safety, team readiness, and fan engagement through a mix of physical training, strategic planning, and live gameplay simulation.

Phases of NFL Offseason Leading to Preseason

Phase 1 (April): Strength & conditioning, no on-field football activities.
Phase 2 (May): On-field workouts, limited passing drills.
Phase 3 (June): Full team practices, 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
Training Camp (Mid-July): Full-contact practices, roster evaluations.
Preseason Games (Early August): Four designated weeks, three games per team (as of 2024).

Year	First Training Camp Opens	First Preseason Game	Last Preseason Game	Regular Season Start
2021	July 21	August 8	September 2	September 9
2022	July 22	August 7	September 1	September 8
2023	July 21	August 10	September 1	September 7
2024	July 20	August 8	August 29	September 5
2025 (Projected)	July 19	August 7	August 28	September 4

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows consistency in scheduling, with NFL training camps opening between July 19–22 and preseason games starting the first week of August. The 2024 season marked a slight reduction in preseason game length, ending by August 29 to prioritize player health and extend recovery time before Week 1.

Why Preseason Matters for Teams and Players

Despite debates over its relevance, the preseason serves several essential functions:

Roster Evaluation: Coaches assess performance of rookies and fringe players.
Injury Risk Management: Gradual ramp-up reduces early-season injuries.
System Installation: Quarterbacks and coordinators test offensive and defensive schemes.
Fan Engagement: Ticket sales, merchandise, and media coverage begin during preseason.
Player Conditioning: Builds stamina and sharpens skills after offseason rest.

Common Questions About Football Preseason

When does NFL preseason start in 2025?

Based on historical patterns, NFL training camps are expected to open around July 19, 2025, with the first preseason games scheduled for August 7–9, 2025.

How many preseason games do NFL teams play?

As of 2024, each NFL team plays three preseason games, reduced from four under the new CBA to minimize injury risk and improve player wellness.

Do all NFL teams start training camp on the same day?

No, teams do not all start on the same day. While most open camp in mid-July, exact dates vary based on stadium availability, coaching preferences, and player contract terms.

Is preseason important for fantasy football?

Yes, preseason performances can influence depth charts and playing time, especially for backup running backs and wide receivers competing for roles.

Can players get cut during preseason?

Yes, teams reduce rosters from 90 players in training camp to 53 by late August, making preseason games a critical evaluation period for roster decisions.