Aaron Rodgers and the Jets might be forced to make 2023 Hard Knocks appearance against their will
The New York Jets are reportedly preparing themselves to be part of the 2023 Hard Knocks unwillingly.
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The New York Jets are “bracing” themselves to be picked for the 2023 edition of the NFL’s Hard Knocks documentary series, despite showing no interest in being part of it. However, if the NFL decides that the Jets will be one of the chosen teams, then they will have no choice.
Hard Knocks follows various stories throughout the season. From inside scoops about players to the emergence and growth of rookies, fans get to witness everything firsthand. This time around, the Jets are the prime candidate to be on the show, besides the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New Orleans Saints.
Being part of the documentary means the teams will have to open up their doors to the camera. The constant presence and filming of the crew can be distracting for players. No wonder Jets head coach Robert Saleh isn’t too keen on it.
There are a few criteria that the teams have to fulfill in order to appear on Hard Knocks. These are teams without a new head coach; those who have not made the playoffs in the past two years; and those that have not been featured on the show in the last decade.
Even though the Jets check every box, they would prefer avoiding it. However, a league source told ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio that the Jets are “bracing for an involuntary Hard Knocks.”
It has been a while since the Jets were on Hard Knocks
The Jets last appeared on Hard Knocks in 2010. Under the tutelage of coach Rex Ryan, the Jets were trying to start afresh after a poor couple of seasons. The Green Gang made some new signings and looked for positive results.
Coach Ryan was a character and knew how to rally his squad. If you watch the Hard Knocks footage from that year, you will see Jets players embracing their underdog status. Who will ever forget the famous line, “Let’s go eat a snack!“
The Jets turned things around that season, finishing second in the AFC East with an 11-5 record. Next, they passed the hurdle of the wildcards and then the playoffs, beating the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots. However, the Jets succumbed to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game.
If the Green Gang does end up on Hard Knocks this year, the main focus will definitely be quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The 39-year-old is already the talk of the NFL after his move from the Green Bay Packers earlier in the offseason. Bonified Jets enthusiast Rich Eisen, besides Rodgers, wants to see how Bryce Hall is developing.
Moreover, a reality show becomes interesting when there is a twist and tension in it. If the Jets’ reluctance shows up in front of the cameras, it will be an interesting story.
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Ishan Misra
(3023 Articles Published)