The NFL has made a significant change to the selection process for its annual “Hard Knocks” series.
The league has “liberalized” the rules determining which teams can be selected to appear on the annual training camp series, according to NFL chief media officer Brian Rolapp. While details of the change were not released, it means a much larger pool of teams will be eligible to be showcased in 2025.
The NFL has "liberalized" rules about who can be in on the August "Hard Knocks" show. Under old rules, Falcons were one of only four teams who could not turn down the show. That pool is "much wider" now, according to Brian Rolapp, chief media officer for NFL
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) March 31, 2025
Previously, teams could not be made to take part in “Hard Knocks” if they have made the playoffs in either of the previous two seasons, had a first year head coach, or had appeared on the program within the last ten years. Under those rules, only the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, and Tennessee Titans would have been eligible for the 2025 edition. That apparently will not be the case anymore, though it is not clear just how open the new process is.
Teams generally do not volunteer for “Hard Knocks” and are very reluctant to appear, which is why the league usually has to nudge someone into it. The presence of cameras can be intrusive and off-putting during training camp, and some teams have even tried to restrict what HBO can show. The series is popular with fans, however, and the league has tried to expand it with offseason and in-season versions.
The four teams that otherwise would have been eligible for the 2025 series might breathe a sigh of relief if the changes lead to someone else being selected. It remains to be seen who the pick will be, and we do not even know who it can be now.
