Two weeks ago Redskins Head Coach Jay Gruden was asked how he’d feel about hosting HBO’s Hard Knocks for training camp. His response:
“If they were smart, they would go to Oakland,” Jay Gruden said. “I mean seriously, what an entertainment value that would be. Antonio Brown. Jon Gruden. Paul Guenther. Vontaze Burfict. [Richie] Incognito. I mean these guys gotta be crazy not to go Oakland.”
On Tuesday, the Raiders announced Hard Knocks is headed to Oakland. Let the shit show begin…
John Gruden alone is guaranteed money and we haven’t even gotten to the blonde mustache yet.
It will also be interesting to see how Antonio Brown and Vontaze Burfict interact with each out after Burfict knocked AB out a few seasons ago. Hell, if Brown won’t talk to Roethlisberger anymore over a lack of feeding him the rock, I’m sure Burfict will be getting an interesting reception from Mr. Big Chest; whenever him chopper lands at camp.
Official Statement from the Raiders:
HBO Sports, NFL Films and the Raiders team up for an unfiltered all-access look at what it takes to make it in the National Football League when HARD KNOCKS: TRAINING CAMP WITH THE OAKLAND RAIDERS kicks off its five-episode season this summer. Spotlighting this AFC West franchise that has an intriguing mix of established veterans, highly regarded rookie hopefuls and free-agent acquisitions under head coach Jon Gruden, the 14th edition of the 18-time Sports Emmy®Award-winning series debuts TUESDAY, AUG. 6 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT). Other hour-long episodes of the first sports-based reality series – and one of the fastest-turnaround programs on TV – debut subsequent Tuesdays at the same time, with encore plays Wednesday nights, culminating in the Sept. 3 season finale.
HARD KNOCKS will also be available on HBO on Demand, HBO NOW, HBO GO and HBO partners’ streaming platforms.
“If you’re a fan of football or great storytelling, HARD KNOCKS with the Oakland Raiders is going to be must-see television,” says Peter Nelson, executive vice president, HBO Sports. “We are so grateful to this storied franchise for opening up its doors and allowing HBO and NFL Films to spend the summer with the Raiders in what promises to be a compelling and engaging training camp.”
“Since the AFL-NFL merger, the Raiders have been a part of some of the most iconic moments in League history,” says NFL Films senior executive Ross Ketover. “We at NFL Films have been thrilled and honored to showcase the mythology of the Raiders from the Holy Roller, Sea of Hands, Ghost to the Post all the way to today with Coach Gruden and this unbelievable cast of players and coaches. Needless to say, we’re very much looking forward to this season of Hard Knocks.”
Camera crews will head to the Bay area in the next few weeks to begin filming, with the action heating up in August when the cinema verité show focuses on the daily lives and routines of players and coaches. HARD KNOCKS: TRAINING CAMP WITH THE OAKLAND RAIDERS will chronicle head coach Jon Gruden entering his second season leading the team, assistant coaches and players throughout training camp and the preseason.