The NFL debuted "Hard Knocks" all the way back in 2001, when NFL Films followed the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens around in training camp. The show has evolved over the years. It began by following teams around in training camp, then an in-season version and an offseason version were created.
Eighteen different NFL teams have been featured over the years. The Washington Commanders are one of 14 teams never featured on the series. Could that change in 2025?
The NFL recently changed some criteria for teams appearing on "Hard Knocks." Here are the new rules on who can't be forced to participate:
- Teams with a first-year head coach
- Teams featured on the in-season version of "Hard Knocks"
- Teams that participated in the training camp edition of "Hard Knocks" from 2017-24
Hard Knocks has loosened its rules on which teams can be forced into the Training Camp edition.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 3, 2025
The new rules for who CAN'T be forced to participate:
— Teams with a first-year head coach
— Teams featured in that season’s in-season edition (covering a full division)
— Teams on… pic.twitter.com/InF6x6u5VU
That leaves 20 teams eligible for "Hard Knocks."
Here is a list of those 20 teams, which includes the Commanders.
- Arizona Cardinals
- Atlanta Falcons
- Baltimore Ravens
- Buffalo Bills
- Carolina Panthers
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Denver Broncos
- Green Bay Packers
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Miami Dolphins
- Minnesota Vikings
- New York Giants
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks
- Tennessee Titans
- Washington Commanders
Most NFL teams want to avoid "Hard Knocks," believing it to be an unnecessary distraction. However, with the NFL more profitable than ever, the league enjoys peeling back the curtain so that fans can see their favorite players and teams. The New York Giants participated in the 2024 offseason edition of the show, which proved embarrassing for general manager Joe Schoen. Schoen's decision to allow Saquon Barkley to walk and sign with the Philadelphia Eagles helped New York's bitter rival win a Super Bowl.
While the training camp edition differs significantly from the offseason version, it's still not popular with teams. Washington general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn loved to keep things close to the vest, but that wouldn't be quite as possible with "Hard Knocks."
The Commanders are a team to watch for three reasons: They've never been on the show, they have a popular, young franchise quarterback (Jayden Daniels), and they were the NFL's best story last season.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders eligible to appear on 'Hard Knocks'
