Hard Knocks here we come. What are the “rules” to be on the show?
With HBO “Hard Knocks”- mid-season Dolphins up and running, it is a worthwhile question for fans to ask if they will ever see their Green Bay Packers on the Emmy-winning HBO show.
Hard Knocks History
In the world of professional football, HBO’s “Hard Knocks” has become a staple for fans seeking an inside look into the trials and tribulations of NFL training camps. Over the years, this documentary series has provided an unprecedented view of the grit, determination, and drama that unfolds behind the scenes. However, one team has consistently eluded the “Hard Knocks” spotlight – the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers, an iconic franchise with a rich history and a massive fanbase, have managed to avoid the intense scrutiny and added distractions that come with being featured on “Hard Knocks”. The show typically selects teams with compelling storylines, intriguing personalities, or those in need of a reboot. The question on the minds of many football enthusiasts is: Will the Green Bay Packers ever be the focus of HBO’s lens?
The Packers Would be a “Fun Fit”- Rules to “qualify”
The Packers’ uniqueness lies in their organizational culture. Of course it would have been wild to see a “Hard Knocks” with Rodgers, outlining and detailing the relationship between he and LaFleur. Of course, that culture know to do everything you can to avoid the Max show. The team has maintained a sense of unity and focus, perhaps viewing the potential disruption brought by “Hard Knocks” as unnecessary for a squad perennially in contention for the postseason.
However, the landscape of the NFL is dynamic, and the factors that once kept the Packers off the “Hard Knocks” stage may evolve. The NFL’s rules, as of my last knowledge update in January 2022, dictate that teams can be exempt from mandatory participation in “Hard Knocks” if they have a first-year head coach, have made the playoffs in the last two years, or have appeared on the show in the last 10 years. If the Packers find themselves in a transitional phase or miss the playoffs for consecutive seasons, they could become eligible for the show.
Related: Aaron Rodgers “Love Fest” on Hard Knocks
The unpredictability of the NFL, along with potential changes to the “Hard Knocks” selection criteria, keeps the door open for the Packers to step into the spotlight. As key players age and new talent emerges, the team dynamics could shift, prompting HBO to find the Packers’ story more compelling.
For fans eager to get a glimpse behind the curtain of the storied franchise, the prospect of the Packers on Hard Knocks is tantalizing. The allure of witnessing Love’s leadership, the coaching strategies of LaFleur, and the camaraderie among players could make for riveting television. Until then, Packers enthusiasts will have to content themselves with the team’s on-field exploits, keeping a watchful eye on the evolving landscape of the NFL and the ever-changing criteria for “Hard Knocks” selection.
Which NFL teams have been on “Hard Knocks”?
Here is the list of teams that have appeared on the preseason version of “Hard Knocks.”
2001: Baltimore Ravens, 2002: Dallas Cowboys, 2007: Kansas City Chiefs, 2008: Dallas Cowboys, 2009: Cincinnati Bengals, 2010: New York Jets
2011: None (aired series retrospective as labor uncertainty kept teams from committing)
2012: Miami Dolphins, 2013: Cincinnati Bengals, 2014: Atlanta Falcons, 2015: Houston Texans
2016: Los Angeles Rams, 2017: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2018: Cleveland Browns
2019: Oakland Raiders, 2020: Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams, 2021: Dallas Cowboys, 2022: Detroit Lions 2022- In-Season Arizona Cardinals, 2023: New York Jets 2023- In Season Miami Dolphins
The Packers are not on that list and are therefore not eligible for the exemption of, “having been a participant on a previous episode.”
Final Verdict
With the idea that the team can avoid being on the show if they make the playoffs or have a first year head coach, you’d have to think that will allow them to avoid it. Then again, if the team barely misses the playoffs and Matt LaFleur is able to keep his job in-spite of that, well, it might be time to crank up the tv.
If you are a fan of the show and a fan of the team, well, that feels like the perfect combination!
Follow me on Twitter at @authorrudylb and check out my other writings at www.rudylb.com. Follow us at @WiSportsHeroics! For all things Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
