Texans Selected To Be On HBO’s Hard Knocks

The HBO documentary series “Hard Knocks” will start again in August. This will be the 10^th season. In years past, the show featured the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons. The Dallas Cowboys and the Cincinnati Bengals have been on the show twice. This year, HBO will follow the Houston Texans during training camp. Houston could have refused to have cameras if they had a new coach, been to the playoffs the past two seasons or had been on the show in past years. The Texans didn’t fit any of those criteria so they were selected. Should they really want this?

“Hard Knocks” is entertaining for NFL fans. It’s a decent portrayal of what NFL players go through to make an NFL roster. It also highlights how intense NFL practices can be.

The problem with “Hard Knocks” is that cameras are on the team 24/7 which can be intimidating. The Texans may not show what they are really like on and off the field. They don’t miss anything including how fiery coaches are. It allows them to be who they are, yelling and screaming at players, displaying their passion for the game of football. They even demonstrate how a player is cut from the roster. Coaches explain why this athlete was cut and have them come to their office. Sometimes “Hard Knocks” gives information on which formations and plays will be worked on. Coaches might tell what the play call is. If NFL players watch the show, they gain insight into what to look for on a certain call.

The program may follow J.J. Watt. Watt is one of the league’s best defensive linemen. They may outline what he does before, during, and after practice.

The Houston Texan should embrace this experience. Many NFL fans don’t have a chance to travel to see an NFL training camp. Most NFL camps are only opened to the public until the team’s second preseason game, then they are closed to just the media. “Hard Knocks” will allow fans to watch the Texans throughout camp.   It is also great publicity for their team.

       How do you feel about the Texans being on “Hard Knocks”?