26 June 2023 , 21:00
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The New York Jets could be made to appear in the NFL Films and HBO produced 'Hard Knocks' by the league despite them publicly admitting that they have no interest.
The NFL is reportedly set to ignore the Jets' plea not to be featured on the show, with head coach Robert Saleh stating publicly their intentions to not be chosen.
Hard Knocks, which airs on NFL Network and Sky Sports in the UK, is a behind-the-scenes look at an NFL team during training camp, filming a franchise during pre-season games while also showing the moments when certain players are told that their dream of making the roster would be shattered and that they're being released.
When asked if the Jets had been selected or would put themselves forward to be on the show, Saleh said: "I haven’t gotten word or anything like that.
"I know there are several teams that would love 'Hard Knocks' to be in their building, we’re just not one of them."
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However, NBC Sports has reported that the Jets are preparing themselves for being made the team to be featured - with the league having the power to assign it to them.
According to the league, the Jets, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders are the only teams who can be on the show; the other three teams are also insisting they do not want to be the side.
If selected, the Jets cannot decline, but it would be the first time in 'Hard Knocks' history that a team would be made to do the show.
Head coach Robert Saleh does not want to be on the showThe Jets might be universally seen as the most interesting option, after trading for legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers this off-season. The 39-year-old was acquired by the Jets after 18 years with the Green Bay Packers where he won the MVP award in back-to-back seasons in 2020 and 2021.
The Jets have also added some interesting characters in recent years, including rookies of the year Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson - who look set for huge seasons in 2023.
In last season's show, the Detroit Lions were the featured team in the documentary - which had been well received, covering rookie linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez closely - who went on to have an unlikely strong season despite being a sixth-rounder.
'Hard Knocks' is set to get underway in the first week of August, meaning they must decide on the featured team in the coming days to prepare for the production.