Jets Make Sense for HBO's 'Hard Knocks'

SI's Dan Lyons examined the likelihood of Gang Green participating in the annual NFL reality series

The New York Jets could be headed for “Hard Knocks” this summer.

Sports Illustrated writer Dan Lyons sees Gang Green as a near-perfect fit for the HBO documentary series, which will air for a 20th season this August.

In his Extra Mustard article, Lyons noted that the Jets apparently meet the National Football League’s “eligibility guidelines” for being featured on the reality television show that intimately follows the chosen team throughout training camp.

The featured franchise must have failed to qualify for the postseason at least two years in a row and it cannot have a first-year head coach. Any team that has starred in “Hard Knocks” in the past 10 years can also be removed from consideration.

Four teams are eligible to be selected for ‘Hard Knocks,’ but one stands above the rest https://t.co/OdQnn6NFar

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 23, 2023

As Lyons points out, the Jets, who last participated in the documentary series when Rex Ryan was at the helm in 2010, are one of four NFL teams to satisfy the aforementioned criteria heading into the 2023 season. In addition to Gang Green, Lyons identified the New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders and Chicago Bears as eligible candidates.

Lyons proceeded to argue that the Jets are the best choice of the four and it’s hard to dispute his claim.

Ranking the Jets at No. 1 on his list of possible “Hard Knocks” participants, Lyons wrote, “Of course, all other options pale in comparison to the Jets, with the offseason that they are currently having.”

Lyons continued, “The team was the focus of perhaps the most famous season of Hard Knocks, back in 2010 with coach Rex Ryan leading the way. HBO has to be salivating at the idea of heading back to Florham Park, N.J. and the Meadowlands with potential first-year New York quarterback Aaron Rodgers preparing with his new team.”

There’s no telling, however, when Rodgers will officially become a Jet as Gang Green and the Green Bay Packers must work out a trade deal for the 39-year old quarterback.

Even before the Rodgers’ dynamic was added to the equation, the Jets were likely an appealing for HBO executives. The Jets are widely viewed as an emerging franchise in the world’s largest media market.

Head coach Robert Saleh is confident and energetic. Second-year star cornerback Sauce Gardner has a habit of going viral on social media. Meanwhile, former No. 2 overall draft pick Zach Wilson is in a battle for his NFL future.

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