Jets reportedly denying certain access for 'Hard Knocks'

The New York Jets will keep some things private even though HBO "Hard Knocks" cameras will follow the club around this summer. 

"'Hard Knocks' will not be the same. They’re not going to be given the same access," ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported during an on-air segment, as shared by Belle Fraser of the New York Post. "The Jets don’t believe it’s humane to show players being released." 

Retired NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck has repeatedly and publicly discussed being cut by former Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick during "Hard Knocks" filming in 2001. In 2017, kicker Roberto Aguayo was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in front of television cameras. 

Jets head coach Robert Saleh campaigned in June for HBO and/or the NFL to select a different team "that would love" being featured on "Hard Knocks," but it was learned later in the month that Gang Green was "bracing" for the unwanted assignment. Like the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints, the Jets fit certain criteria for being made to do the preseason edition of "Hard Knocks" this summer. 

Unlike those other clubs, the Jets acquired star quarterback and four-time NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers this past spring. 

"They fought it all along," Schefter added about the Jets' attempts to avoid "Hard Knocks" ahead of Rodgers' first season with the franchise. "They met with NFL Films and told them clear as day and said, 'We don’t want to this.'" 

Rodgers acknowledged last week the 2023 Jets are ideal for "Hard Knocks" because "there’s a lot of eyes" on him and the team, but he added at that time that the chore was forced "down our throats and we’ve got to deal with it." Meanwhile, Schefter suggested the Jets are offering HBO "the least access" in the history of the series. 

Intentionally or not, the Jets kicking and screaming their way into "Hard Knocks" could help generate record-setting ratings beginning when the season debuts on Aug. 8.