2023 NFL Training Camp Dates Revealed: 32 Teams Begin Preseason Prep

The National Football League (NFL) has officially announced the training camp start dates for all 32 teams, with practices set to begin between July 25 and August 2, according to league documents reviewed by Archysport. These dates, verified through team press releases and the NFL’s official schedule, mark the start of the annual preparation period ahead of the regular season.

Training camps serve as a critical phase for teams to evaluate rosters, refine strategies, and build chemistry. The league’s 2023 schedule reflects a mix of early and later starts, with some teams opting for earlier preparations to accommodate travel or facility availability. Key details for each team’s camp, including locations and notable participants, are outlined below.

Early Starters: Teams Commencing July 25-27

The Arizona Cardinals will open their training camp at the University of Phoenix Stadium on July 25, making them the first team to begin preparations. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by quarterback Tom Brady, will follow on July 26 at their facility in Ashland, Florida. The Indianapolis Colts will kick off on July 27 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, with quarterback Matt Ryan and rookie selections in focus.

These early starts allow teams to address roster needs before the NFL Draft and free agency deadlines. The Green Bay Packers, for example, will begin on July 26, with a spotlight on quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ potential return to action after a 2022 injury.

Mid-July Camps: Balancing Preparation and Rest

Most teams will begin training camps in the second week of July. The New England Patriots will open on July 28 at Gillette Stadium, with a focus on developing rookie quarterback Mac Jones. The Baltimore Ravens, reigning Super Bowl champions, will start on July 28 at their Owings Mills facility, where quarterback Lamar Jackson and the defense will prepare for the 2023 season.

The San Francisco 49ers have scheduled their camp to begin on July 29, with a key emphasis on evaluating the performance of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie selections. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions will open on July 29 at the Ford Field, where head coach Dan Campbell will assess the progress of quarterback Jared Goff and the offensive line.

Late July and Early August: Adjusting for Roster Changes

Several teams will begin their camps in late July or early August, allowing for flexibility in roster adjustments. The Los Angeles Rams will start on July 31, with quarterback Matthew Stafford and the offense under scrutiny. The Seattle Seahawks, who finished 10-7 in 2022, will open on August 1 at their Virginia Mason Athletic Center, focusing on the development of rookie quarterback Justin Herbert.

The Kansas City Chiefs, defending AFC champions, will begin training camp on August 2, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the offense aiming to maintain their dominance. The Pittsburgh Steelers will also start on August 2, with a focus on the transition at quarterback following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.

Key Implications for the 2023 Season

The timing of training camps can influence a team’s readiness for the regular season. Early starts, such as those for the Cardinals and Buccaneers, allow for extended preparation but may increase the risk of player fatigue. Conversely, later starts, like those for the Chiefs and Steelers, provide more time for roster adjustments but may compress the window for in-season adjustments.

Training camp dates