Aaron Rodgers blasts NFL for assigning ‘Hard Knocks’ to Jets: ‘They forced it down our throats’

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was none too pleased to learn that the NFL forced his new team into letting the Hard Knocks crew into their lives for the next few weeks. While in previous years there were enough teams willing and able to do the show, this year, the behind-the-scenes documentary crew struggled to find one to follow.

Even though the show is still as popular as ever, it’s often not appreciated by the players and coaches who have to deal with the distractions and extra media presence.

Still, Rodgers understands the deal. The former NFL MVP’s switch to a new team, along with the hype that’s started to build around the Jets and their young stars, are just some of the glaringly intriguing storylines with the team this preseason.

“I understand the appeal with us,” Rodgers said at the American Century Championship. “Obviously, there’s a lot of eyes on me. A lot of eyes on our team. A lot of expectations on our squad. So, they forced it down our throats, and we’ve got to deal with it.”

Unfortunately for Rodgers and the Jets, there were only so many NFL franchises for Hard Knocks to choose from. The guidelines stipulate that a team with a new head coach, a playoff berth in the previous two seasons, or an appearance on the show in the last decade would be exempt from participating.

Rodgers had plenty of media attention this offseason. His process of deciding to stay with the Packers, or retire, or find a new team was well documented. The slog that was the trading process between the Packers and the Jets kept his name in the headlines even longer. As did his own admissions of psychedelic drug use before the 2022 season.

Rodgers eager to meet ‘Hard Knocks’ narrator Liev Schreiber

On the bright side for the Jets quarterback, the HBO crews can’t force him to sit for the cameras. Other big-name NFL stars have found ways to avoid being the lead subject for Hard Knocks, and depending on his mood, Rodgers may try to do the same.

There is also one other good thing to come from the situation, according to Rodgers. He is a big fan of Liev Schreiber. Schreiber has been the narrator for almost every season of Hard Knocks.

“The voice of God, who narrates it,” Rodgers said. “Liev [Schreiber]. I hope I get to meet him.”

In addition to adding the four-time MVP quarterback, the Jets also boast last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in receiver Garrett Wilson and Defensive Rookie of the Year in cornerback Sauce Gardner.

The Jets also have running back Breece Hall, who is making his way back from a torn ACL.

That group, in addition to other former Packers like receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, has many predicting that not only will the Jets end their playoff drought, but also potentially compete for a Super Bowl.

Check-in for Jets training camp starts on July 19 with camp officially starting on the 22nd.

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