Over the years, the NFL has done a great job of storytelling through NFL Films and other various forms of media. Whenever you know about something in detail, you get invested. This is what made Hard Knocks so great for fans and media, who were given unprecedented access to teams, but there were always roadblocks.
On Wednesday, the NFL changed their guidelines for picking a team on the show, and now more teams are eligible. This, however, does not include the Bucs, who just missed out on the opportunity.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shared the news on social media on Tuesday of the guideline changes.
NFL chief media and business officer Brian Rolapp mentioned on Monday how the league has liberalized its rules for Hard Knocks. Here is the full rule—the "non-playoff" requirement has been removed to compel a team.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 2, 2025
This really opens up the NFL's options for HK this summer. pic.twitter.com/2T2j0GIPNS
The Bucs fit all the criteria, outside of not being featured in the last eight seasons. The Bucs were on the show in 2017, which means starting next, barring any other circumstances arising, they would be eligible for it in 2026. Several members of the team have been on the show and have been entertaining watches such as Baker Mayfield when he was with the Browns, and of course, Mike Evans.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs just miss out on chance at Hard Knocks after changes made
