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The New York Jets are set to feature on this year’s edition of HBO’s Hard Knocks, whether they like it or not.
And let’s make no bones about it, they really do not like it.
The Jets were one of four teams, including the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders, that could not turn down the series due to team rules.
This didn’t exactly sit well in New York. Especially not with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
“They forced it down our throats, and we have to deal with it,” Rodgers said of the move. “I understand the appeal with us. Obviously, there are a lot of eyes on me, a lot of eyes on our team, a lot of expectations for our squad.”
But this year’s edition of Hard Knocks won’t be like the others.
New York must participate in the show. But the rule does not state how cooperative the organization has to be.
During Monday’s episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” NFL Insider Adam Schefter said the Jets will cooperate – but only to an extent.
One major change is that the Jets will not allow HBO to film players being cut from the team.
“Hard Knocks will not be the same. They’re not going to be given the same access,” Schefter stated. “The Jets don’t believe it’s humane to show players being released.”
NFL Films executive producer Patrick Kelleher was excited to work with the organization.
“NFL Films has a long and storied relationship with the Jets, from the early days of the AFL and Joe Namath’s ‘No. 1’ salute after Super Bowl III, to The Sack Exchange, and the team’s first appearance on ‘Hard Knocks’ in the midst of back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances,” he said upon the announcement of this years series.
Kelleher is likely less excited now.
The five-episode “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets” premieres Aug. 8 at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.