In NFL Hard Knocks, since 2001 (with initial interruptions) a franchise has been accompanied by a camera crew in the preparation for the season every year. But this year there seems to be major problems.

NFL Hard Knocks is almost an institution. Since 2001, the format has existed in which the preseason preparation of an NFL team is accompanied by cameras. Viewers experience all the events first-hand – from player dismissals to practice scuffles.

In a total of 17 seasons, 14 different franchises have been followed so far, but this year of all years there are problems – because no team really wants to take part.

The selection criteria are very simple. If no franchise volunteers, the NFL can choose among teams that have not been accompanied in Hard Knocks in the past ten years, whose head coach is not in his first year and who have not made the NFL Playoffs in the past two seasons.

“Hard Knocks”: four franchises are eligible

That means the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders are eligible this year. But especially the first three mentioned don’t want to.

“I know there are several teams that would love to see ‘Hard Knocks’ in their building. We’re just not one of them,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said at a press conference in early June.

Similarly, Bears president George McCaskey, speaking to The Athletic, said, “We think there are a number of teams that have an exciting story to tell at ‘Hard Knocks’. 31 others.”

And Saints coach Dennis Allen also spoke out clearly against participation on “ProFootballTalk”: “I wouldn’t like it because I just want to focus on our football team and get better. And any distraction is just that, distraction that ultimately keeps you from achieving your goal. “

Washington Commanders: again, there are still problems

Only the Washington Commanders have yet to directly oppose participation. However, the franchise is still facing the official sale of previous owner Daniel Snyder to Josh Harris

According to a report by “CBS”, the NFL has already asked the Detroit Lions whether they would like to be the face of Hard Knocks in 2023, as they did last season. This would be a first in the 20-year history of the successful series. A final decision is still pending.

By the way, the selected franchise in 2022 was already announced in March.