This year’s training camp edition of HBO’s Hard Knocks might feature the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles or another high-profile team such as the Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills. Earlier this week, it was announced that the NFL is relaxing its rules regarding which teams can be compelled to participate in the annual HBO preseason docuseries.
According to Monday Morning Quarterback‘s Albert Breer, teams eligible for this season’s Hard Knocks must meet the following criteria:
- Team does not have a first-year head coach
- Team is not part of a division featured in the upcoming Hard Knocks: In-Season or any division set to be showcased in the subsequent Hard Knocks: In-Season series.
- Team has not appeared on Hard Knocks: Training Camp in the past eight seasons.
NFL chief media and business officer Brian Rolapp mentioned on Monday how the league has liberalized its rules for Hard Knocks. Here is the full rule—the “non-playoff” requirement has been removed to compel a team.
This really opens up the NFL’s options for HK this summer. pic.twitter.com/2T2j0GIPNS
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 2, 2025
The most significant change in the new Hard Knocks criteria is the removal of the exemption that allowed teams making the playoffs in either of the previous two seasons to opt out. While we won’t have clarity on eligible teams until the division for this year’s in-season version is announced in May, the current contenders based on the criteria include the Bills, Packers, Chiefs, Eagles, and Commanders. Notably, the Pittsburgh Steelers could also be included if they sign Aaron Rodgers.
Any of the teams noted will lose their eligibility should their respective divisions be selected for this year’s In-Season show. However, they will still be featured later in the NFL calendar. Regarding Hard Knocks: Offseason, indications suggest it may not return for a second season after last year’s issues with the New York Giants and a brief flirtation with Bill Belichick’s North Carolina program.
