Since 2001, the “HBO” series “Hard Knocks” has accompanied NFL teams as they prepare for the season. The format is very popular with football fans. The franchises, on the other hand, are apparently critical of the TV show, as the latest statement from the New York Jets underlines.
The crew of “Hard Knocks” accompanies a selected organization during their multi-week training camp. The material is then usually broadcast from mid-August to mid-September.
In 2013, the NFL established the following three requirements for mandatory attendance on the show. The chosen team may:
- Haven’t appeared on Hard Knocks in the last ten years
- have not participated in the playoffs in the past two seasons
- not have a head coach starting their first year of service
The New York Jets meet all three criteria and may soon be contacted by HBO. Meanwhile, Robert Saleh hopes it won’t come to that.
“I know there are several teams that would like to have ‘hard knocks’ in their building – we’re just not one of them,” the Jets coach told a group of reporters on Friday.
The New Yorkers, however, have had an exciting offseason, crowned by the signing of superstar Aaron Rodgers. So they will definitely go into the raffle as favorites.
NFL competitor also defends against TV appearance
In addition to the Jets, the Washington Commanders, the Chicago Bears or the New Orleans Saints could be seen on “Hard Knocks” this year. In Louisiana, however, resistance to participation was also formed recently.
“Obviously I wouldn’t like it very much,” Saints head coach Dennis Allen said in a recent media session. “I want to focus on football and getting better.”
The 50-year-old sees the TV cameras primarily as an additional burden for his NFL professionals. “It’s distractions that keep you from achieving your goals,” Allen lamented.