The countdown to the 2026 NFL season officially begins with training camp, as all 32 teams return to the practice field to prepare for the upcoming campaign. Fans eager to see rookies, veterans, and new acquisitions in action won’t have to wait much longer, with camps opening throughout July.
When Does 2026 NFL Training Camp Begin?
The 2026 NFL training camp schedule begins on July 17, 2026, when the Seattle Seahawks become the first team to have rookies report.
The San Francisco 49ers follow on July 18, while the majority of NFL teams will welcome players between July 21 and July 28.
By July 28, 2026, every NFL team will have officially reported to training camp.
Which Teams Report First?
The earliest reporting dates for the 2026 NFL season include:
- July 17: Seattle Seahawks (Rookies)
- July 18: San Francisco 49ers (Rookies)
- July 22: Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers (Rookies and Veterans)
The Cardinals and Panthers receive an earlier start because they will compete in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
Why Do Some Teams Start Earlier?
NFL teams participating in the Hall of Fame Game are permitted to open training camp earlier than the rest of the league. This additional preparation helps offset the extra preseason game on their schedule.
In 2026, the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers receive that advantage as they prepare to kick off the preseason.
When Does the 2026 NFL Preseason Start?
The preseason officially begins with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, August 6, 2026, featuring the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers.
The remainder of the NFL preseason schedule follows during the second week of August before teams finalize their rosters ahead of the regular season.
What Happens During NFL Training Camp?
Training camp is one of the most important periods of the NFL calendar. Teams use the weeks leading up to the preseason to:
- Evaluate rookies and draft picks
- Install offensive and defensive systems
- Conduct position battles
- Build chemistry among new teammates
- Prepare for preseason competition
Fans also get their first opportunity to watch many teams during open practices and training camp events.
2026 NFL Training Camp Key Dates
- July 17: First rookie report (Seattle Seahawks)
- July 18: San Francisco 49ers rookies report
- July 21–28: Most NFL teams report
- July 22: Cardinals and Panthers report with veterans
- July 28: All 32 NFL teams have reported
- August 6: Pro Football Hall of Fame Game begins the 2026 preseason
Final Thoughts
The 2026 NFL training camp schedule officially gets underway on July 17, with activity ramping up quickly as teams across the league report throughout late July. By the end of the month, all 32 franchises will be preparing for preseason action, leading into the Hall of Fame Game on August 6 and the start of another highly anticipated NFL season.