We are about six weeks away from all 32 NFL teams reporting to training camp, yet we still do not know who will be on “Hard Knocks” this summer.
Using the NFL’s formula, four teams could be forced into doing the show: the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders.
This week, everyone’s favorite contender, the New York Jets, with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers, made it clear they do not want to be on the popular series.
“I know there would be some teams who would love to have Hard Knocks in their building — we’re just not one of them,” head coach Robert Saleh said, according to Lorenzo Reyes of USA TODAY Sports.”
Bears chairman George McCaskey made his stance clear in March.
No surprise, but the Bears are not interested in being on "Hard Knocks." They are one of the teams eligible to be forced to do it in 2023.
George McCaskey: "We feel there are a number of teams that have compelling stories to tell on Hard Knocks."
Bears included?
"31 others."
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) March 29, 2023
Saints head coach Dennis Allen doesn’t want his team featured on the show either.
That leaves the Commanders. Washington is the only one of the four not to publicly express its desire not to participate.
Is that for a reason?
Many believe that exposure would be good for the Commanders, who are in the middle of a much-needed ownership change. Do some in Washington’s organization want to participate in the show?
Or is there so much going on that no one has said no?
Head coach Ron Rivera holds a lot of power in the organization. He’s old school, and “Hard Knocks” wouldn’t appear to be his thing. Meanwhile, team president Jason Wright may believe it’s good for the entire organization.
It’s difficult to tell, but a decision should come soon.
