Raiders to Appear on HBO's 'Hard Knocks' This Offseason
By Jerry Trotta
Jon Gruden might have left television -- calling Monday Night Football for ESPN -- for a second turn as the Oakland Raiders head coach, but the former Super Bowl Champ just can't seem to avoid the cameras.
The franchise announced on Tuesday that they will be the featured team on HBO's "Hard Knocks." The training camp special will debut on August 6 and run until September 3.
"Everybody wants to be a Raider. Now they’ll find out what it takes to become one."
— Oakland Raiders (@Raiders) June 11, 2019
We'll see you in August: https://t.co/dZ1LvS7gRv #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/rTz6AnrCbl
The Raiders ended up the preferred choice over the likes of the Lions, Redskins, Giants and 49ers, who were the four other teams that couldn't turn down the show if elected.
And let's be honest, HBO absolutely made the right decision. When you consider compelling storylines like Gruden and Derek Carr's potential fragile relationship, to the unpredictable, animated personalities of Antonio Brown and Vontaze Burfict, and the late controversial signing of Richie Incognito, the Raiders are destined to deliver in terms of theatrics.
Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders are going to be on Hard Knocks this summer, per league official. They are the second AFC West team to be featured on the HBO series (KC Chiefs in 2007).
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 11, 2019
Per a Raiders team statement, camera crews will head to the Bay Area in the next few weeks to start filming. Of course, the action won't heat up until August when the show focuses on the daily lives and routines of players and coaches.
Get your popcorn ready, folks. The NFL and HBO absolutely knocked it out of the park with their choice for the show, as the Raiders are top-to-bottom one of the most intriguing squads in the league.