The cancellation of Sunday's Hall of Fame Game between the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts due to safety concerns over how the middle of the field and end zones were painted is one of the most unusual -- and embarrassing -- outcomes for an NFL game, and it did not go unnoticed on social media.
Green Bay Packers guard T.J. Lang, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, didn’t make the trip to Canton, Ohio, but his thoughts were on the safety of the players when he heard about the field conditions.
Once the game was canceled, Lang thought about the image of the league and the embarrassment the incident caused.Didn't make the trip to Canton. If the field is really that bad then please cancel for sake of all players!
— TJ Lang (@TJLang70) August 7, 2016
Colts punter Pat McAfee said the sentiment inside the Indianapolis locker room was surprise that it was possible to cancel a game.Man what an embarrassing day for the NFL.
— TJ Lang (@TJLang70) August 7, 2016
Colts defensive end Ricky Lumpkin echoed what many were thinking and was thankful the league put safety first.Had no idea a cancellation was possible.. When it 1st got mentioned our entire locker room had the same reaction.. pic.twitter.com/920e2bXBOR
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 7, 2016
DeAngelo Williams, whose Pittsburgh Steelers played the Minnesota Vikings in the 2015 Hall of Fame Game, said the field conditions weren't very good last year. Pittsburgh kicker Shaun Suisham tore his ACL while attempting to make a tackle on the opening kickoff of last year's game. It was later pointed out to Williams that new turf was put in for this year's game.Game canceled but will go out and talk to fans and sign things. Was juiced but safety is number 1.
— Ricky Lumpkin (@RickyLumpkin) August 7, 2016
Colts receiver Quan Bray took the occasion to salute Colts great Tony Dungy and Marvin Harrison, who were inducted on Saturday.Hey @NFL it was that terrible last year but u didn't cancel the game we had our kicker tear his acl and a few mcl strains so thanks😏
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) August 8, 2016
The weekend wasn't a total loss for the players and fans who were able to honor the inductees, Colts long snapper Matt Overton added:Congrats to the the greats Marvin Harrison and Tony Dungy #HOF even though we didn't get to play! #Respect #coltsnation meet u there!
— Quan Bray (@QuanBray) August 7, 2016
Packers linebacker Sam Barrington felt bad for the fans, but he found one silver lining.Unfortunate the game has been canceled. Player safety is key. We were very excited to play & honor the legends who came before us. #HOFGame
— Matt (@MattOverton_LS) August 7, 2016
Feel bad for the fans who traveled for essentially nothing now...I'd reimburse you all if I could :-(
- Sambo (@Sam_Barrington_) August 8, 2016
Chicago Bears Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long was as surprised as everyone else.Still got that extra week of practice though..
- Sambo (@Sam_Barrington_) August 8, 2016
HOF game cancelled wow
— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) August 7, 2016
Bears Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long was as surprised as everyone else.
