Saints One of Four Teams Eligible for Hard Knocks

New Orleans has avoided HBO's Hard Knocks for over 20 years, but may not have a choice in 2023.

Hard Knocks is an HBO documentary series that covers an NFL team through training camp to the final day of preseason cuts before the regular season. It was first broadcast in 2001.

As of 2014, an NFL team is exempt from Hard Knocks if they meet one of three criteria 

• if they have a first-year head coach 

• if they've been a playoff team either of the previous two seasons 

• if they've appeared on the show within the last 10 years

The New Orleans Saints have never been on Hard Knocks. They are one of four teams eligible for the series this preseason. 

1. New York Jets 

2. Chicago Bears 

3. Washington 

4. New Orleans Saints 

The Saints would certainly not lack for entertainment. Cam Jordan is perhaps the league's most entertaining characters, especially behind a microphone. Derek Carr will be learning a new offense after multiple Pro Bowls with the Raiders. Michael Thomas, Tyrann Mathieu, Taysom Hill, and Demario Davis are among several polarizing personalities on the team. 

New Orleans doesn't disappoint in the controversial category either. Alvin Kamara and Marcus Maye both face league suspensions because of legal issues. Each of them will have court hearings that will carry into training camp.

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) celebrates a stop against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Dennis Allen comes into his second year attempting to replace the iconic Sean Payton. There have been unfounded rumors about a rift between Thomas and coaches or management the last few years. However, it's safe to say that those stories were not true, since Thomas willingly reworked his contract just to stay with the team. 

This season's Hard Knocks will debut in August. The Detroit Lions were last year's NFL representative. If chosen, a team cannot turn down an invitation for the show.