Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh at training camp at The Bolt. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jim Harbaugh takes shot at NBA, MLB with joke about NFL Hall of Fame Game

Originally posted on Los Angeles Chargers on SI
By Tyler Reed | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 10:30 AM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers are preparing for their first preseason action of the season when they meet the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday.

No one is more excited to be a part of a game that doesn't count on the team's record than head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Harbaugh is a football guy, through and through, and it shows each and every time he steps on a football field.

On Tuesday, rookie wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith told the media that Harbaugh tried his hand at comedy when talking about the team's game against the Lions.

Chargers WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith says Jim Harbaugh told the team that more people watch the Hall of Fame game than the NBA Finals or World Series, but also added "no pressure".
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) July 29, 2025

Lambert-Smith revealed that Harbaugh told the team that more people will watch the Hall of Fame Game than people who watch the NBA Finals or the World Series.

It's true that the NFL is a ratings dominator. Last year, the game drew 5.2 million viewers, and on the same night, MLB Sunday Night Baseball drew 1.71 million viewers.

The spotlight is on, and Harbaugh wants his team to be ready for the moment. One player that will need to be ready for the moment is quarterback Trey Lance, who has been announced as the starter for the game. Thursday night will bring plenty of headlines.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Chargers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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