NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bears have made their stance known regarding HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series.
Simply put: This franchise really, REALLY does not want to be on Hard Knocks.
To each their own.
But as times change, so do people. And when people come and go, opinions change, too.
So while I won’t go out on a limb and predict the Bears will be on “Hard Knocks” this summer, it sure seems like there is a non-zero chance it can happen. At least, that is how I am choosing to read this exchange on Twitter with ESPN’s Marc Silverman:
Silvy sharing that he is hearing that it is possible that the Bears will be on Hard Knocks this summer definitely grabbed my attention. To be clear, Silvy isn’t saying it is happening. So let’s not go running with that as our story. But there appears to be a greater-than-zero chance that it could happen. And that means the odds (while still Infinitesimal) are better than they had ever been in the past.
For what it’s worth, the Bears can be forced onto Hard Knocks in 2024. But as is highlighted in the tweet above, the Bears and the league might have a sweetheart deal worked out in which the team does things like give up a home game to play in the NFL’s international series in London or suit up for an additional preseason game in exchange for not being forced into the Hard Knocks experience. It is wild to think about the Bears turning into a pretzel to avoid being under HBO’s Hard Knocks microscopes. But it is even more nuts to think that the team might move off its stance.
Or perhaps the NFL is readying itself to nudge the Bears into the limelight.
The time is now for the Chicago Bears to appear on HBO’s Hard Knocks series
The Bears might not be able to sidestep Hard Knocks this time around. This team is perfect for Hard Knocks. And I will hear no arguments to the contrary.
It begins with a draft class headlined by No. 1 overall pick quarterback Caleb Williams. QB1’s budding relationship with wide receiver (and fellow first-round pick) Rome Odunze is something that should be documented and shared with the world. Draft picks such as All-American punter Tory Taylor and Hinsdale native offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie probably have cool stories to tell, too. After all, both manifested their selection by the Bears.
This team also has established veterans with different stories. For instance, Montez Sweat enters his first full year in Chicago after a trade out of a tumultuous Washington franchise. He is expected to be an anchor for this defense. Meanwhile, Jaylon Johnson begins the first year of a mega-extension. Jaylon is one of the few players still around from the team’s last playoff appearance in 2020, which puts him in a position to provide perspective on this team’s teardown and rebuild. DJ Moore is fun as heck. Cole Kmet brings a local flare. Kyler Gordon has the Spiderman routine. I could go on mentioning players worth following. But I don’t want to do HBO’s job and mine. Sheesh!
The more I think about it, maybe this is the time for the Chicago Bears to embrace that HBO spotlight.
Yes, this is a change of heart from me. If you’ve been rocking with us (first of all, thank you for your readership — it is appreciated) for long enough, then you already know I’ve been a staunch opponent of the Bears being on Hard Knocks. However, I am ready to change my tune.
I’ve long had two big reservations regarding my stance in not wanting the Bears on Hard Knocks. Firstly, this team has been lacking the type of big personalities who make tuning into the program worthwhile. Reality television sports shows only work if you are displaying intriguing players and coaches. Chicago’s football team hasn’t had much of that in the Hard Knocks era. Or, when it did, those players and coaches weren’t successful enough or here for long enough to merit a strong push for them to be featured on a show like Hard Knocks.
My other concerns was more on a personal level. Let’s be honest with each other. Bears fans have not always been kind to one another and that element reared its ugly head again earlier in this offseason. This fanbase being shown in an unflattering light made me wary of wanting the team on Hard Knocks. Save for fans of 31 other teams, who really wants to see this own fan base at its worse? However, the interactions over the last month and throughout NFL Draft weekend have been better. Perhaps Bears fans are ready for this moment. At a minimum, at least we aren’t fighting each other in the comments anymore. The arrow is pointing up.
Don’t get it twisted. I’m not into bullying. But I would put up no opposition if the NFL wanted to strong-arm the Bears into going on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series this summer. Based on how the league has been pushing and marketing Caleb Williams content on its social channels, it would not surprise me to see the NFL use the trump card of being able to force a team onto the show. This league will do anything for a buck. And if it inconveniences the NFL’s charter franchise, then so be it. So stay tuned.
