When does NFL training camp start? All you need to know about preseason prep

The Football Operations branch of the NFL recently published its "2023 Important NFL Dates," highlighting every major event planned in 2023. As of the time of writing, the calendar only extends to May, with May 22-24, 2023, tabbed as "Spring League Meeting, TBD."

Hence significant dates for the National Football League training camp have not been slated yet, but the NFL has shared that on May 15, 2023, “Rookie Football Development Programs begin.”

While the exact dates are subject to change, the National Football League calendar follows a pretty constant schedule each season, meaning that training camp always begins around the same time every year. Although the dates have not been finalized, the league training camp is expected to begin during the second half of July 2023, just like in previous non-pandemic-affected years.

This year too, the league is expected to adhere to its regular schedule, meaning that training camp should start in July, just like the pre-pandemic years. Regarding the other key dates, franchises will probably start OTAs in late May 2023, with rookie minicamps during mid-May and mandatory minicamps in mid-June.

---

How long is the NFL training camp?

National Football League training camps typically run for approximately two weeks, ending just before preseason kicks off in August. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between players and the NFL, a set of essential rules must be followed.

One such rule is that the first three days of training camp must contain no contact. On the fourth and fifth days, franchise players can go full speed in helmets and light practice gear.

The sixth day is compulsory off, and the seventh is when players put on pads for the first time during the off-season. The league has authorized veterans to start training camp 15 days before their first preseason game, while rookies can start training 22 days before. As they say, it's a veteran's league.

---

When does the 2023 NFL season start?

The first preseason game of the 2023 season is the traditional Hall of Fame Game on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023. It was announced that this first game will be between the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets. Jets legend Joe Klecko and Browns icon Joe Thomas are among the nine inductees in the 2023 Hall of Fame class.

Furthermore, the 2023 regular season opener will be on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, when reigning Super Bowl champs, Kansas City Chiefs, will host the opening game of the new regular season. The 2023 season will span five months, finishing on Feb. 11, 2024, with Super Bowl LVIII at the Allegiant Stadium in Nevada, the Las Vegas Raiders' home turf.