NFL faces pivotal decision on 'Hard Knocks' as three of four teams have said no

The NFL has a pivotal decision to make: which team will star on HBO’s Hard Knocks during training camp in 2023?

So far three teams, the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints and New York Jets all made it known they have no interest in the show. The Washington Commanders are the only team that can be tabbed to do the show regardless, but have yet to say yes or no.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio broke it down how the NFL has a bit of a conundrum with Hard Knocks.

“The NFL could tell the Bears, Saints, or Jets ‘tough crap.’” Florio said. “That extra layer of intrigue could actually make the show better. Reality shows typically feature people who want to do it. The inherent tension from having a team forced against its will to do it could be spicy.

“The easiest course would be to give the gig to the Commanders. But how could the league (which ultimately runs the show) properly fashion the story of the team without fully delving into the Daniel Snyder angle? If NFL Films tells the truth about the sale of the team, it makes the league bad. If NFL Films brushes any of it under the rug, folks like us will call the league out.”

Florio pointed out the Jets would be the best option. Most fans would likely agree due to the Aaron Rodgers factor and suddenly New York has Super Bowl fever in 2023.

Aaron Rodgers having most fun he’s had ‘in awhile,’ maybe Hard Knocks?

Now, Rodgers is a member of the New York Jets after a long-awaited trade this offseason. As he settles in with his new team, Rodgers made it abundantly clear he’s in a really good place. In fact, he’s happier than he’s been in some time.

“The last six weeks have been about the most fun I’ve had in a while,” Rodgers said, via USA TODAY’s Lorenzo Reyes. “It’s fun to come to work and be excited about what we’re doing.”

So, Rodgers on Hard Knocks? Please? Fans might beg at this point.

Rodgers is a content machine, so him being unfiltered on HBO would be a sight to behold.

Unlike the last couple years in Green Bay, Rodgers is taking part in OTAs with the Jets. Those relationships are budding, and he’s done a few different activities to help with that. One of those moments came when Taylor Swift performed at MetLife Stadium, and Rodgers — apparently a noted Swiftie — was in attendance.

So let’s do Hard Knocks. Forget the other three teams and force the Jets to be on the show.