The Jets will be featured on this year’s season of “Hard Knocks” on HBO, but that doesn’t mean the players are entirely thrilled with the extra coverage.
Among those not exactly happy with the decision is new franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Talking with KPIX in Lake Tahoe at the American Century Championship golf tournament on Thursday, the 39-year-old spoke candidly about his thoughts on the show.
“One of the only things I like about ‘Hard Knocks’ is the voice of God, who narrates it — Liev [Schreiber]. I hope I get to meet him,” Rodgers said. “Look, I understand the appeal with us. Obviously, there’s a lot eyes on me, a lot of eyes on our team, a lot of expectations for our squad.
“They forced it down our throats and we gotta deal with it.”
The Jets first appeared on the documentary series before the 2010 season with a Rex Ryan-coached squad that eventually reached the AFC title game before falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
That was the last time Gang Green had reached the postseason, and this year’s squad brings a similar level of intrigue into the mix, largely thanks to the infusion of Rodgers from the Packers.
No teams volunteered for “Hard Knocks,” this year, and the Jets were one of four franchises the NFL could force into participating.
The only way a team could claim an exemption is if it has a first-year head coach, had a playoff berth in the past two seasons or made an appearance on “Hard Knocks” in the past 10 seasons.
The Jets could not claim any of those exemptions, and cameras will roll when camp opens on July 19.
In June, head coach Robert Saleh expressed that he did not want his team on the show.
“I know there are several teams that would love for ‘Hard Knocks’ to be in their building. We’re just not one of them,” Saleh said.
Whether Rodgers will get to meet Schreiber or not, he certainly will get screen time this summer when the cameras begin filming.