Could the Detroit Lions be the NFL team featured on the 2022 edition of “Hard Knocks”? Fans can only hope so.
The Lions are one of three primary contenders to appear on the annual behind-the-scenes show through one team’s training camp and preseason. Along with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, the Lions are one of just three teams who meet all the qualifications to be the subject of the popular HBO documentary series.
I’m very hopeful the Lions are the chosen one. It’s a wonderful opportunity to observe and learn a lot more about the players, the coaches and how the organization goes about its business. Fans should be clamoring to see more of GM Brad Holmes, head coach Dan Campbell, special assistant Chris Spielman and the cadre of former players on Campbell’s staff in action.
Back in 2018, the Cleveland Browns were the subject team. I was there for much of training camp while covering the team for Browns Wire, and I got to see firsthand how beneficial it can be. In Cleveland’s case, it exposed the dysfunction in the organization. Head coach Hue Jackson’s tenuous grasp of control over headstrong defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and irritable offensive coordinator Todd Haley was something the fans needed to see to understand just how bad things really were inside the organization. The transparency provided by the omnipresent cameras and the dramatic editing choices helped lead to a much-needed in-season upheaval.
Lions senior personnel executive John Dorsey was Cleveland’s GM at the time, and the production did not flinch in highlighting his positive and negative moments. It was something the fans, and the broader football media, needed to see. Dorsey would likely object to being on the show again, though he’s no longer in a critical decision-making role.
The cameras and crew are everywhere, but they’re absolutely not a distraction. For those who haven’t been to training camp or an NFL practice, there are already cameras everywhere filming multiple angles of reps. It’s been that way for years. The players and coaches are used to it. It’s like wallpaper. After the second day of camp, I didn’t even notice they were a different camera crew from the regular Browns staffers working on the practice fields. That sentiment was shared by many.
It’s a no-lose situation. If Campbell and his crew are the real deal, as many fans want them to be, Hard Knocks will provide ample evidence of a well-run, competent organization. That would be a refreshing relief for long-suffering Detroit fans. Likewise, if the cameras reveal (like they did in Cleveland) that the staff is swimming in way too deep water, the exposure will help drown the hype. For the fans who think Campbell is a clueless meathead, Hard Knocks would be the proof in your pudding of negativity and foster change.
Beyond that, it’s a great way to get to know the players better. Hard Knocks does a fantastic job of finding interesting stories with the players. They dive deep into backstories. You’ll learn which Lions players have weird off-field hobbies, fun passions, inspiring charity interests or are just someone fans will really love. The players like that too, by and large.
So I’m hopeful the Lions land on Hard Knocks this year and the world can see what the Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell Lions are really all about.
