CANTON, Ohio – The 2025 NFL preseason kicked off with a bang for two former collegiate standouts, as KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Kimani Vidal found the end zone for the Los Angeles Chargers in their 34-7 victory over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game.
Chargers’ Preseason Opener Features Rookie Touchdowns
Former Auburn and Troy stars scored their first pro touchdowns in the Hall of Fame Game.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, a fifth-round draft pick, snagged a 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Trey Lance in the first half, helping the Chargers build a 21-7 lead. He finished his debut with two catches for 43 yards, including the longest gain from scrimmage in the game, a 28-yard reception.
What was the score of the Hall of Fame Game? The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Detroit Lions 34-7 in the annual Hall of Fame Game.
Kimani Vidal, a sixth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, powered his way into the end zone twice. His first score, a 2-yard run, put the Chargers up 14-0 early in the first quarter. He added the game’s final touchdown on another 2-yard run late in the fourth quarter.
Vidal contributed 37 rushing yards on nine carries. He also had a pass reception for a 7-yard loss and made a tackle on special teams. As a rookie, Vidal recorded 155 rushing yards, 62 receiving yards, and one touchdown. These scores mark his first rushing touchdowns with the Chargers.
Other Alabama Connections on the Field
Several other players with ties to Alabama high schools and colleges participated in the preseason opener:
- Defensive back Trikweze Bridges, a seventh-round pick for the Chargers, made two tackles in his professional debut.
- Linebacker Zach Cunningham started for the Lions and recorded one tackle on special teams.
- Defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand started for the Chargers but did not record any statistics.
- Long snapper Josh Harris of Auburn handled snapping duties for four extra points, three field goals, and three punts.
- Defensive lineman Brodric Martin of Northridge, North Alabama, made one tackle for the Lions.
- Cornerback Jordan Oladokun of Samford made one tackle for the Chargers.
- Punter JK Scott of Alabama averaged 51.3 yards on three punts, with a net average of 38.3 yards. His punts included a 53-yarder, a 41-yarder recovered at the Lions’ 5-yard line, and a 54-yarder for a touchback.
Several notable players with Alabama connections did not play in the game, including Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, center Bradley Bozeman (Handley, Alabama), safety Brian Branch, defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, running back Najee Harris, and wide receiver Jameson Williams.
Upcoming Preseason Schedule
The Detroit Lions will face the Atlanta Falcons on August 8th at 6 p.m. CDT in Atlanta. The Los Angeles Chargers are scheduled to play the New Orleans Saints on August 10th at 3:05 p.m. at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
- KeAndre Lambert-Smith scored his first professional touchdown on a 15-yard reception.
- Kimani Vidal added two rushing touchdowns for the Chargers.
- The Chargers defeated the Lions 34-7 in the Hall of Fame Game.
- Several other players with Alabama ties participated in the game.
