In recent years, the NFL has found it a struggle to get teams to participate in HBO’s Hard Knocks — an all-access docuseries from NFL Films that has turned into a training camp tradition. And it’s safe to say that the New York Jets aren’t thrilled to be the featured team this year.
They’re apparently going to limit NFL Films’ access even if that creates a far less compelling viewing experience.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, this year’s edition of Hard Knocks will look noticeably different with cameras no longer having access to head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas when they’re making personnel decisions. That means we won’t see players getting released on camera anymore — something the show has done in every previous season.
“Hard Knocks will not be the same. They’re not going to be given the same access. The Jets don’t believe it’s humane to show players being released.”
Given what Aaron Rodgers said about Hard Knocks last week, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
Hard Knocks on @HBO is coming to the @nyjets. What say you, Aaron Rodgers? Thgts from the 14th green at the American Century Championship. @ACChampionship @AaronRodgers12 @KPIXtv pic.twitter.com/SrfVEW7w88
— vernkpix (@vernKPIX) July 12, 2023
The Jets don’t want to go out of their way to offer access to NFL Films when they didn’t want to be featured in the first place.
They’re going to offer the bare minimum in terms of cooperation. And sadly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more teams follow that lead when they view Hard Knocks as a nuisance.