Thursday Night Football to begin the NFL season just feels right.

It’s the perfect appetizer for what’s to come on Sunday, when fans are fully immersed in a sea of games from the early afternoon through the night.

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But the NFL didn’t always start off with a weeknight game to start the new campaign. When did the NFL Kickoff Game begin? And which teams have the most appearances and victories?

Here is everything you need to know about the history of the NFL Kickoff Game:

When was the first NFL Kickoff Game?

The first Kickoff Game was held in 2002, when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the New York Giants 16-13. The 2025 game will be the 24th edition.

When is the 2025 NFL Kickoff Game?

The 2025 Kickoff Game

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