Jets' Training Camp Countdown: Acing the 'Hard Knocks' Assignment

How will the Jets respond to the increased attention and scrutiny from the reality show?

Sorry, Robert Saleh. It's happening and you have to deal with it.

The New York Jets will host HBO's Hard Knocks, an annual summertime documentary series, for the first time since 2010.

"I know there’s several teams that would love for Hard Knocks to be in their building, but we’re just not one of them," said Saleh during OTAs.

Much to the third-year head coach's dismay, HBO and NFL Films made the official announcement on Monday, two days prior to the Jets' training camp report date (July 19) for rookie and veterans.

With the Jets widely reported to be this summer's featured team, quarterback Aaron Rodgers commented on the "Hard Knocks" decision during a practice round at last week's American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. 

"I understand the appeal with us. There’s a lot of eyes on me, a lot of eyes on our team, a lot of expectations for our squad," said Rodgers to CBS Bay Area affiliate KPIX. "They forced it down our throats and we gotta deal with it.”

Assigned as the participating "Hard Knocks" team despite their stated preference to opt out, the Jets will face a test that they expressed no interest in taking. How Will they respond? Will the cameras serve as a distraction or a means of inspiration?

How will the Jets respond to the increased attention and scrutiny that comes with starring in a reality show?

The Jets are unquestionably facing an important training camp this summer as they introduce a new starting quarterback and offensive coordinator, meaning added distractions are not needed. 

The presence of the "Hard Knocks" production crew, however, has not proved to be a detriment to participating teams when it comes to their subsequent regular season results.

---

READ Training Camp Countdown Series Asks Nine Important Questions

---

Retired Jets' offensive lineman Damien Woody, who was part of the 2010 team that captivated the HBO audience, weighed in on the idea of the cameras being a distraction through his Twitter account.

"For anyone saying Hard Knocks is a ‘distraction’ for the #Jets organization is nonsense. The ppl at NFL Films do a wonderful job of just blending in behind the scenes…u trade for ARod this is what u get! Embrace it & have fun with it b/c we damn sure did back in 2010," said Woody in a July 12 tweet. 

NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport also spoke positively about the production crew.

"NFL Films does an awesome job," said Rapoport during a June appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. "They treat players right, so even though football people are a little weary of it, it seems like the product and the treatment has been really good." 

The professionalism of the producers and NFL Films personnel means players' personal privacy will not be violated. If anything, it gives lesser-known names a chance to build their brands. 

There is evidence to suggest that the reality show actually serves as a springboard to the featured franchise.

Since 2009, there have been 11 "Hard Knocks" teams who saw their win total increase from the prior season. Only two teams suffered a drop in victories while one team posted the same record over the past 13 years.

After their 2010 training camp appearance on the critically-acclaimed docuseries, the Jets went on to post an 11-5 regular season record — a two-win improvement from the prior year — and advance to the AFC Championship Game for the second year in a row.

Participating in the show can potentially have a galvanizing effect on the roster. 

In addition to possibly bringing team members closer together, the series allows a franchise to showcase itself to the full NFL fan base. The level of exposure can work wonders for a brand.

Also, there should be no worry that show producers could possibly portray the Jets negatively. 

A television source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Jets Country that Adam Schefter's recent report was a "non story," because the participating team has always had final editorial control over an episode's content.

The main challenge for Saleh and the Jets will be to view "Hard Knocks" as an opportunity as opposed to a nuisance. It could make for a memorable start to a potentially special season.

Jets plan to limit HBO’s access during ‘Hard Knocks’ filming, per report https://t.co/ZUh1JT1ecX

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 17, 2023

Hard Knocks Participants'' Regular Season Records

Year: Team Name (Record)
2022: Detroit Lions (9-8) 📈

2021: Dallas Cowboys (12-5) 📈

2020: Los Angeles Chargers (7-9) 📈

2020: Los Angeles Rams (10-6) 📈

2019: Oakland Raiders (7-9) 📈

2018: Cleveland Browns (7-8-1) 📈

2017: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11) 📉

2016: Los Angeles Rams (4-12) 📉

2015: Houston Texans (9-7) ↔️

2014: Atlanta Falcons (6-10) 📈

2013: Cincinnati Bengals (11-5) 📈

2012: Miami Dolphins (7-9) 📈

2010: New York Jets (11-5) 📈

2009: Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) 📈

2008: Dallas Cowboys (9-7) 📉

2007: Kansas City Chiefs (4-12) 📉

2002: Dallas Cowboys (5-11) ↔️

2001: Baltimore Ravens (10-6) 📉

READ MORE:

'Hard Knocks' Viewing Schedule

Training Camp Countdown: Role of the Rookies

Training Camp Countdown: Finding the O-Line Starting Five

Training Camp Countdown: Enough Time for Offense Installation?