The continuously deteriorating COVID-19 pandemic all over the U.S. continued to hurt the NFL as the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced on Thursday the cancellation of this year's HOF Game and postponing of the enshrinement ceremony.

The Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburg Steelers were supposed to play the Hall of Fame Game as a preseason opener in Canton, Ohio on August 6. Two days later, the Hall of Fame Class of 2020 were scheduled to be enshrined. However, the coronavirus changed all of it.

"The health and safety of our Hall of Famers, fans and volunteers who make Enshrinement Week so special remains our top priority. The Hall will honor the Centennial Class of 2020 next August, along with what promises to be an equally spectacular Class of 2021, as part of a multi-day celebration of football with an atmosphere that will deliver for fans 'Twice the Fun in '21," said Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker said in a statement.

In response to the pandemic, the NFL already moved the 2020 draft and free agent signing online. Moreover, the NFLPA also suggested that players avoid doing workouts with teammates. Now that the Hall of Fame Game was cancelled, the Steelers and the Cowboys should assemble at the same time with other teams. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the league discussed whether to start the training camp on July 28.

The HOF Class of 2020 contained the following great names: Steve Atwater, Isaac Bruce, Steve Hutchinson, Edgerrin James and Troy Polamalu; coaches Bill Cowher, Jimmy Johnson, Steve Sabol, Paul Tagliabue and George Young.

"The delay is obviously disappointing but completely understandable. It's always a great weekend, especially for football fans and family, coaches, colleagues who've been critical in our successes. But a big part of the weekend is meeting, greeting, photos and signing autographs for the thousands of fans. Not something that I'd want to do in the coronavirus environment," said Tagliabue to the Associated Press.