No, Super Bowl champions do not always play in the first game of the NFL season, which is commonly known as the “Kickoff Game.” The teams selected to play in the Kickoff Game are typically determined by the NFL schedule and various factors such as rivalries, recent performance, and marketability.
While it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, the defending Super Bowl champion occasionally gets the honor of playing in the Kickoff Game as a way to celebrate their victory and showcase the championship banner in front of a national audience. However, this doesn’t happen every year. The NFL often aims to create exciting matchups that will draw attention and set the tone for the rest of the season.
In some cases, the Super Bowl champion might be scheduled for a different game during the opening weekend, allowing other teams to participate in the Kickoff Game. The teams chosen for the Kickoff Game can vary from year to year, and the NFL makes these decisions based on a combination of competitive and promotional considerations.