• Loading stock data...
Friday, May 30, 2025

Is NFL At Crossroads With HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks,’ Netflix’s ‘Quarterback’?

  • The New York Jets will begrudgingly appear on this season of “Hard Knocks” on HBO.
  • The new Netflix series “Quarterback” follows Patrick Mahomes during the 2022 season.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

When New York Jets rookies begin reporting to training camp on Wednesday, cameras from HBO’s “Hard Knocks” will be rolling — whether the team likes it or not.

“They forced it down our throats, and we’ve got to deal with it,” new Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers said when asked about the show which first debuted in 2001. The Jets were one of just four teams the league could select for involuntary participation — along with the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, and Washington Commanders.

“I understand the appeal with us,” Rodgers added. “Obviously, there’s a lot of eyes on me. There’s a lot of eyes on our team, a lot of expectations for our squad.”

This isn’t the first time an NFL team has been an unhappy subject for “Hard Knocks” — which has been losing its luster in recent years, averaging well under 500,000 viewers per episode. But this season comes at a time when sports documentaries covering everything from Formula 1 to golf to tennis are flourishing.

The Heir Apparent?

The NFL has even partnered with Netflix on a new series — “Quarterback” — which followed Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota during the 2022 season. The series, made in conjunction with production companies involving Peyton Manning and Mahomes himself, is earning rave reviews.

While the NFL appears to be testing the waters with Netflix for a new spin on football docuseries, it has also doubled down on “Hard Knocks,” following the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals for in-season series during the past two seasons. 

The league hasn’t announced if “Hard Knocks” will follow a team midseason in 2023.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Chiefs, Royals Stadium Plans Hit Political Wall As Both Parties Say No

Both Republicans and Democrats in Missouri oppose public funding for stadiums.
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) scores on a pass in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium.

Why the NFL Isn’t a Sure Bet for Private-Equity Firms

Three teams have gotten PE investments since owners approved the rule change.

Brett Yormark: Big 12 Puts Private Equity and Naming Rights on Pause

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark is shifting his conference’s strategy.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) injures left shoulder whilte attempt to steal second base in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.

Yankees-Dodgers Clash Draws TV Spotlight, Sky-High Prices

The teams’ lone regular-season series features three nationally aired games.

Featured Today

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.
May 24, 2025

Indiana Is the Center of the Basketball Universe—Thanks to Both Pro Teams

The Fever and Pacers are thriving at the same time.
May 30, 2025

Panthers-Oilers Rematch Could Be Big in Canada. Will U.S. Ratings Dip?

Likely viewership declines in the U.S. are countered by robust Canadian audiences.
May 30, 2025

French Open Scheduling Sparks Backlash Over Women’s Time Slots

Coco Gauff has also said the French Open schedule could be improved.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
May 28, 2025

NBA East Finals Delivers Strong TV Ratings, but West Is Struggling

The Pacers and Thunder are both up 3–1 in their conference finals series.
Around the Horn
May 23, 2025

Behind the Scenes of Around the Horn’s Final Days

FOS followed Tony Reali at the penultimate taping of the ESPN icon.
Around the Horn - October 26, 2020
May 23, 2025

‘Quirky, Nutty, Bombastic’: 10 ‘Around the Horn’ Faces on Their Top Moments

“A quirky, nutty, bombastic, mostly wrong, sometimes right, crazy sports family.”
May 22, 2025

NBC Eyes MLB Rights, Looks to Own Sunday Nights Year-Round

The league continues to shop media rights being forfeited by ESPN.