Each summer, HBO and NFL Films following an NFL team through training camp for “Hard Knocks,” a popular behind-the-scenes show that gives a glimpse at life in the NFL.
Clubs can volunteer to be featured on the show, but that rarely happens. Consequently, the NFL has a “voluntold” process. Teams can’t be forced into the show if they meet one of the three circumstances:
- Featured on Hard Knocks in the last decade
- Have a first-year head coach
- Made the playoffs in either of the last two years
The Denver Broncos have not been on “Hard Knocks” in the past 10 years and they don’t have a new coach, but they did make the NFL playoffs in 2024. Thanks to their postseason berth last fall, the Broncos can’t be forced into “Hard Knocks” in 2025.
Denver has declined “volunteering” for the show in the past, and the Broncos seem unlikely to change that stance anytime soon.
This year, the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans can’t say no if “voluntold” to be appear on “Hard Knocks” during training camp.
