NFL change means Chiefs are eligible for HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ for first time in decade
Every NFL team wants to make the playoffs simply because that’s the path toward winning a Super Bowl.
But being in the postseason has had an added benefit: It meant the team wouldn’t appear on HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” which follows a team during training camp.
More versions of “Hard Knocks” have recently been added. This was an in-season look at four teams in one particular division. And there also is now an offseason “Hard Knocks.”
Sports Illustrated noted that a team was exempt from having HBO’s cameras at training camp if they had made the postseason in either of the previous two seasons, had a first-year head coach or had been on “Hard Knocks” in the last 10 seasons.
The Chiefs have made the postseason in 10 straight seasons, so it’s little wonder they haven’t been on “Hard Knocks” since 2007 when Herm Edwards was the coach.
But Albert Breer reported the NFL has changed those eligibility rules, removing the playoff stipulation.
Here are the new rules for exemption for a team, via Breer, the Sports Illustrated writer:
- Has a first-year coach
- Is not on “Hard Knocks: In-Season”
- Was featured on “Hard Knocks: Training Camp” in the previous eight seasons
- Is not exempt from selection based on a team being in “Hard Knocks” or a similar access show prior to 2024 “pursuant to parameters that existed at the time of such club’s prior participation.”
That means the Chiefs could be picked for “Hard Knocks: Training Camp.” Or the NFL could choose the AFC West for “Hard Knocks: In Season.”
It’s hardly a slam-dunk that the Chiefs would be on either show.
Sports Illustrated noted that 20 teams are now eligible for “Hard Knocks: Training Camp” this summer. Here are the other 19: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans and Washington Commanders.
This story was originally published April 4, 2025 at 8:50 AM.
