The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ coming to Cleveland
“Hard Knocks” chronicles behind-the-scenes stories of training camp of one NFL team each summer.
The Browns were already rewarded going 0-16 last season by getting the first pick in the draft last month. Now they’re going to be on HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” too.
The story was first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN. “Hard Knocks” chronicles behind-thescenes stories of training camp of one NFL team each summer.
The Browns were selected from among several teams considered for the cable network show. There are plenty of story lines — Coach Hue Jackson on the hot seat with a 1-31 record, first overall draft pick quarterback Baker Mayfield and the recovery of wide receiver Josh Gordon to name a few.
“The story lines in Cleveland are compelling, which make the Browns an ideal partner on Hard Knocks,” NFL Films senior executive Ross Ketover said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to showing NFL fans around the world what the Haslams, John Dorsey, Hue Jackson and the coaching staff are doing to rebuild the team and reboot one of the most iconic franchises in sports.”
“Hard Knocks” began in 2001 with the Baltimore Ravens. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were featured last summer.
The Browns will be the 13th team to appear on the
show.
Browns general manager John Dorsey at first did not want the Browns involved in “Hard Knocks,” but he has come to accept the intrusion.
“Like many, I was reluctant about being the featured team on Hard Knocks but once we sat down and talked about it as an organization, I feel a lot better and understand why the time is right,” Dorsey in a statement. “Hue and I both feel like this team is in a good place and that we are in the process of building something that will lead to success. Being a part of Hard Knocks will give our
fans the opportunity to see how passionate the people in our building are about winning and how excited we are about getting to work and preparing for the 2018 season.”
Jackson was the running backs coach in Cincinnati when the Bengals were on “Hard Knocks,” so he will be able to prepare his players for what to expect.
“I’ve been a part of Hard Knocks and when you experience it first hand, you come to appreciate the inside look it really gives fans,” Jackson said in a statement. “We’re excited about what we’re building within our organization
and feel good about the progress we’ve made this offseason.
“Being able to bring our fans in so they can get to know our players and our organization in a different way will be a huge positive for us. I want people to see how much our players and coaches care, how hard they work and how badly they want to win for Cleveland. This will be a great opportunity for our team.”
A 30-person NFL Films crew will shoot more than 2,000 hours of footage over the course of the series. Camera and sound crews will have total access in Berea.