The first week of preseason games is still months away, but “Hard Knocks” is approaching.
The HBO reality show has gone behind the curtain of NFL teams for over two decades, giving fans a look at the ramp-up to the regular season. From intense practices to cutdown meetings to other antics, the program offers a wide glance at the day-to-day machinations of a franchise.
With the new season almost underway, here is a guide to the history of “Hard Knocks.”
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SIGN UP HERE When was “Hard Knocks” created?
NFL Films and HBO debuted “Hard Knocks” in 2001 by documenting the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens.
The show ran for two years before going off the air from 2003 to 2006. It returned in 2007 and has been on every year since.
When was in-season “Hard Knocks” created?
NFL
The NFL added a new, in-season “Hard Knocks” series in 2021. The Indianapolis Colts were at the center of the debut season, the Arizona Cardinals were featured in 2022 and the Miami Dolphins in 2023. The league then shifted to following full divisions for the in-season show, with the AFC North in 2024 and NFC East in 2025.
Who narrates “Hard Knocks”?
Liev Schreiber has lent his voice to “Hard Knocks” since its creation with the exception of one season. Kansas City Chiefs superfan Paul Rudd got to narrate the 2007 version starring his favorite team.
Which NFL teams have been on “Hard Knocks”?
Here is the list of teams that have appeared on the preseason version of “Hard Knocks.”
- 2001: Baltimore Ravens
- 2002: Dallas Cowboys
- 2007: Kansas City Chiefs
- 2008: Dallas Cowboys
- 2009: Cincinnati Bengals
- 2010: New York Jets
- 2011: None (aired series retrospective as labor uncertainty kept teams from committing)
- 2012: Miami Dolphins
- 2013: Cincinnati Bengals
- 2014: Atlanta Falcons
- 2015: Houston Texans
- 2016: Los Angeles Rams
- 2017: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- 2018: Cleveland Browns
- 2019: Oakland Raiders
- 2020: Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams
- 2021: Dallas Cowboys
- 2022: Detroit Lions
- 2023: New York Jets
- 2024: Chicago Bears
- 2025: Buffalo Bills
How does the NFL choose which team will be on “Hard Knocks”?
NFL teams can volunteer for “Hard Knocks,” but for the most part, it’s up to the league to determine the show’s subject each year.
Starting in 2025, the NFL has three new parameters to determine a team’s “Hard Knocks” eligibility:
- Must not have been featured on the show for the last eight seasons
- Must not have a head coach who is in his first season with the team
- Must not be featured on another edition of the show that year (meaning NFC East teams in 2025 could not be on both the preseason and in-season shows)
Who is on “Hard Knocks” in 2025?
“Hard Knocks” will be in Western New York to visit Josh Allen and the Bills this summer.
The Bills will be appearing on the show for the first time in franchise history.
The in-season edition of the show will feature all four NFC East teams: the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Washington Commanders.
Is there a “Hard Knocks” curse?
In general, “Hard Knocks” teams do not have a strong track record, but the Bills could be an exception.
Seven of the 22 preseason “Hard Knocks” teams made the playoffs the same season and only one reached the conference title game: the 2010 Jets. The 2021 Cowboys were the last preseason "Hard Knocks" team to make the postseason.