NFL Nation

          HOF Game cancellation draws applause for safety reasons, surprise on social media

          • ESPN.com staff
          Aug 7, 2016, 08:48 PM ET

          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. Colts punter Pat McAfee said the sentiment inside the Indianapolis locker room was surprise that it was possible to cancel a game. Colts defensive end Ricky Lumpkin echoed what many were thinking and was thankful the league put safety first. 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. Colts receiver Quan Bray took the occasion to salute Colts great Tony Dungy and Marvin Harrison, who were inducted on Saturday. 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: Packers linebacker Sam Barrington felt bad for the fans, but he found one silver lining. Chicago Bears Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long was as surprised as everyone else.

          Bears Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long was as surprised as everyone else.