The New York Jets made it clear they do not want to participate in ‘Hard Knocks,’ but the NFL has other ideas
Robert Saleh made the New York Jets‘ stance on ‘Hard Knocks’ very clear.
The NFL told him, “Hard Knocks!”
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Jets are “bracing for an involuntary ‘Hard Knocks’ assignment.” This is what most around the league assumed would happen. The feeling was that the NFL wanted to get the Jets on board. That does not appear to have happened, so the league instead forced the Jets’ hand.
It is understandable that the Jets do not want the cameras front and center. The last time they appeared on the show in 2010, showman Rex Ryan was the team’s head coach. Now, there’s another New York story that’s made for TV, with everyone’s favorite player to hate taking the New York center stage.
One only knows how Aaron Rodgers will react to having the cameras in his face during training camp. Rodgers notoriously dislikes the media, although he’s off to a positive start with the infamous and feared Gotham crew.
Robert Saleh is not Rex Ryan. He prefers things low-key, away from the cameras. As he told reporters during OTAs, “I know there’s several teams that would love for Hard Knocks to be in their building, we’re just not one of them.” Instead, the NFL’s biggest story will air for the whole world to see.
To be clear, no official announcement has been made yet. However, most of the country would want to see the Jets. The league is ready to cash in.
Interestingly, the Washington Commanders have stated that they would participate if asked. They are one of the four teams whom the league can compel to join the show. However, according to Florio, the NFL would prefer to see the sale of the team go through prior to a TV appearance.
Jets fans, prepare yourselves for even more drama this offseason. What we know of the Jets’ social media team, though, tells us that they will play it up to maximum effect.
At the very least, it gives us some more content to bring you during the dog days of summer.
