Chargers & Rams Both Selected To Appear On HBO’s “Hard Knocks”

According to Adam Schefter, HBO’s Hard Knocks will feature two teams: the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. 

Schefter says that’s of course contingent on training camp actually taking place this year. 

This is the first time the HBO show has featured two teams together. Neither was among the group of five teams that could have been forced by the NFL to appear on the show, which included the Cardinals, Lions, Broncos, Steelers and Jaguars. 

This probably indicates both teams volunteered for the reality show. While most NFL teams view having to work around a camera crew as they prepare for the season as a distraction, both the Rams and Chargers are moving into SoFi Stadium starting this year.

Appearing on the show could be a benefit to their marketing departments as the two teams work to establish themselves in the Los Angeles market. 

Schefter says there won’t be a formal announcement until after the draft. Traditionally the team selected for Hard Knocks is announced at the owners meetings that were scheduled for last week but canceled by the pandemic. 

While it’s possible the ongoing shutdowns related to the coronavirus could impact training camp and thus the show, Schefter said NFL Films is preparing for the show to go on. 

The Rams last appeared on Hard Knocks in 2016, while this will be the Chargers’ first appearance on the show.