The New York Giants will be the first team to feature on the new offseason edition of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” after being reluctant to appear on the show in the past
The New York Giants are all set to feature in HBO’s NFL docuseries Hard Knocks, a move that breaks their former reluctance to participate in the popular show.
Additionally, they’re primed to be the first team showcased in a new offseason edition of the programme, leaving the door open for potential Chicago Bears coverage during this summer’s training camp. Historically, some NFL teams have voiced opposition to the inclusion of camera crews in their operations; a sentiment echoed by Giants co-owner John Mara who once jested in 2010 that his team would agree to feature on the show when he was “with his father in the gates of heaven.”
However, an agreement was finally reached, and fans can now look forward to gaining a glimpse into the Giants’ offseason for the first time through the upcoming five-part series. Up until this point, Hard Knocks has primarily centred on showcasing training camp or the ongoing season.
In a revolutionary move, the Giants’ offseason proceedings will instead take centre stage. Slated to air on July 2, audiences can also anticipate another instalment covering training camp later in the year.
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While the teams participating in this latter edition are yet to be disclosed, it seems increasingly probable that the spotlight could be cast onto the Bears. Team owner George McCaskey shares an apprehensiveness toward permitting camera crews within the premises.
Nevertheless, with the recent drafting of star player and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, the Bears find themselves as an enticing prospect for HBO. Teams with first-year coaches or those who have featured on Hard Knocks in the past eight years can decline the show, which rules out most of the league’s teams.
The New York Jets were thrust into the limelight last season after trading for Aaron Rodgers, despite head coach Robert Saleh’s initial reluctance. Saleh was initially opposed to having HBO crews in New Jersey, but he warmed up to the idea once filming began.
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“We’re fine,” Saleh said. “We’ve been doing One Jets Drive the last couple of years. Just talking with Hard Knocks, they’ve got a great group of people working with us. We expressed some of our concerns, and they’ve answered it. It’s gonna be fine.”
McCaskey is strictly against the Bears being involved, especially during their rebuilding phase, but he may not have a choice. At the 2023 owners meetings in Arizona, McCaskey told reporters: “We feel there are a number of teams that have compelling stories to tell on ‘Hard Knocks… 31 others.
“He later told The Athletic: “We’re told there is some interest in other teams being on the program and we welcome that interest.” Even if the Bears escape being selected for training camp, they could be of focus during the in-season edition of the show.
From next season the in-season Hard Knocks will feature a full division, and not just one team, according to CBS. The Giants will be the focus for now, with the series documenting their moves from January to July.
The off-season story will cover running back Saquon Barkley’s departure from the team and the decision-making process behind selecting wide receiver Malik Nabers as their No. 6 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.