A fascinating aspect of the HBO/NFL Films Hard Knocks franchise is the frequency with which the involved NFL teams have been reluctant to participate. In most of the show’s training camp seasons, the selected team has been among the few that could be “forced” (under NFL-set protocols) to participate. Therefore, Monday’s news that the NFL has “liberalized” the rules regarding which teams can be compelled to join the show is quite significant. Josh Kendall of The Athletic reported on this, citing NFL chief media officer Brian Rolapp:
The NFL has “liberalized” rules about who can be in on the August “Hard Knocks” show. Under old rules, Falcons were one of only four teams who could not turn down the show. That pool is “much wider” now, according to Brian Rolapp, chief media officer for NFL
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) March 31, 2025
The NFL has long preferred teams to volunteer for Hard Knocks, but that has rarely occurred. Consequently, rules were put in place to determine which teams could be “forced” to participate. According to the previous rules established in 2013, teams were eligible for “forcing” only if they did not meet any of three exclusion criteria: appearing on Hard Knocks in the last ten seasons, having a new head coach, or having appeared in the NFL playoffs in either of the past two seasons. This led to a limited pool of flagship Hard Knocks candidates each year, with only three teams qualifying last year and numerous complaints about being “forced” from some featured figures.
We are yet to see the full implications of these “liberalized” rules, including which teams will be eligible and what level of “forcing” might occur. It’s worth noting that most featured teams typically warm up to the idea after being selected, although some maintain minimal access. Nevertheless, this adjustment could provide HBO with more options for teams to spotlight in the training camp docuseries.
More details are needed on these “liberalized” rules, but it appears that a greater number of teams will be available for Hard Knocks against their will. Importantly, a Hard Knocks spotlight has not always had negative outcomes for teams. Despite various challenges, many seasons since the show’s 2001 inception have proven advantageous for the teams involved and associated figures.
There has been much dissatisfaction regarding Hard Knocks not granting full editorial control to its subjects. This has led to setbacks such as the failed plan to cover Bill Belichick’s North Carolina team, suggesting we might miss an offseason version this year. However, the show has been accommodating to access limitations set by featured teams, sometimes to its own detriment, as evidenced by the 2019 version with the then-Oakland Raiders. For all the criticism from those who complain about its various iterations, the show has consistently succeeded in showcasing those teams.
For viewers, it seems a positive development that the NFL is widening the limited pool of teams that can be “forced” to appear, as there are numerous instances where being on Hard Knocks has not proved detrimental for teams. However, the pushback from coaches and executives has necessitated the implementation of forcing protocols each year. Even if the selected team and the show eventually release a joint statement expressing their excitement, the overlap between selected teams and those eligible for forcing remains high.
While expanding these protocols might not sit well with all teams, it certainly should enhance the variety of choices for Hard Knocks each year.
