Following the premiere of the first episode of the new season of Hard Knocks, New York Jets fans took to social media to express their excitement about the opening kickoff for the 2023 campaign. “Gang Green” is led by new quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and his presence at training camp has seemingly catalyzed a young Jets team to compete for a Super Bowl championship. The Jets were one of four teams eligible to appear on Hard Knocks and reportedly expressed resistance about appearing on the show.
After the NFL selected the Jets to appear on the program, the team went about planning how they would ensure the cameras would not be a distraction. Now with the new season in production, the team’s leader feels that the show has had a surprising, yet positive effect on the team at training camp.
“We want our team to be as authentic as possible,” Rodgers said in an interview with Boomer & Gio on WFAN Tuesday morning. “When we’re a connected group and everybody’s pulling in the same direction, that’s when you can get something done. But I will say this has not been that at all. To me, it’s been very authentic with our guys and not a distraction at all.”
Boomer Esiason, co-host of the show, chimed in on the discussion and pointed out to Rodgers how he especially enjoyed a scene involving the quarterbacks. Rodgers, demonstrating the value of veteran leadership, implored his teammates to converse with others and get to know them. Throughout the interview, Rodgers stressed the importance of cohesion and the group playing together in order to snap a 12-year playoff drought and win an elusive Super Bowl championship.
“I don’t know how much we’re limiting access on certain things that may be more [distracting], but I think it’s been great,” Rodgers said. “They’ve asked for me to be mic’d up a few times and I’ve gladly done it. I think the content’s been good, it’s been real and I’m having a good experience with it.”
The second episode of Hard Knocks in training camp with the New York Jets premieres Tuesday night at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST on HBO and will also be available to stream on Max.
