As expected, the New York Jets have been selected as this summer's featured team on HBO's "Hard Knocks."
Soon to be official: pic.twitter.com/ECxYWv5dKx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 12, 2023
NFL and NFL Films have selected the New York Jets to serve as this year’s team on Hard Knocks, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 12, 2023
Jets report to training camp one week from today, July 19, and the cameras will be rolling in full force. pic.twitter.com/v9A7Pb9GP2
With the inside workings of Gang Green soon to be on full display, this is a big win for the league and fans alike. Seemingly the only loser in the situation is head coach Robert Saleh and the rest of the organization, who have made it obvious that they wanted to avoid the gig.
The Jets brought this on themselves though, as they brought in four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers in the offseason. New York also could've avoided the extra cameras if they had only played a bit better in the past couple of seasons.
According to a report by Pro Football Talk NFL insider Mike Florio, "under a formula developed several years ago, the teams that can be compelled" to be on the show include those "without a new head coach, those who have not been to the playoffs in either of the last two years and those that have not been the subject of the show for the last 10 years."
Saleh is entering his third season at the helm, while the Jets haven't made the postseason since the 2010 campaign, finishing in last place in the AFC East three consecutive times and seven of the last nine years. Though the franchise has been on the program before, that came back in 2010 when they were led by entertaining head coach Rex Ryan.
Per Florio, the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints were other teams that "fit the criteria for being required to do the show" this summer. He added that while New York isn't allowed to turn down a request, the NFL "typically" doesn't force a team to be on the show if they don't want to.
With Rodgers in stow and actually a very promising roster that could threaten to end their lengthy playoff drought, the Jets' selection is a victory for the NFL and their fans. Knowing that Saleh and crew were trying to do everything to avoid this opportunity may make this summer's edition of "Hard Knocks" must-watch television.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!