Hard Knocks Needs a Return Visit from Rex

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Right now, NFL fans & HBO's 'Hard Knocks' need a return visit from Rex Ryan and the Jets

Bob Raissman

Saturday, May 21st 2011, 5:28 PM

Fans of the National Football League are getting desperate.

An essay from Giants co-owner John Mara, or words from players and union officials, are just more of the same blather to fans who ain't buying the spin from either side. These loyalists want to discuss something non-labor, something actually related to the game.

This explains why the issue surrounding HBO/NFL Films' "Hard Knocks," specifically which team will be in the show, has exploded, so to speak.

One national publication is running an online poll giving fans a chance to vote on the team they want to see on "Hard Knocks," a program chronicling life in an NFL training camp.

Friday morning, Bob Papa's SXM "Opening Drive" show was dominated for nearly two hours with fans talking "Hard Knocks."

Speculation concerning "Hard Knocks" has become a welcome diversion from talk of failed negotiations and the next "big" court date. The conversation has cut another way too.

In the past, when a team has turned down an appearance on "Hard Knocks," there have been no public pronouncements coming from the organization rejecting the role.

Last week, officials from the Tampa Bay Bucs and Denver Broncos said they were turning down "Hard Knocks."

This gave their fans something else to talk about, providing a break from the labor chatter.

The decision by both teams also led to the conclusion HBO/NFL Films are having problems getting a team to commit. This is ridiculous. It only takes one team to say "yes" to set the wheels in motion. And after all the attention the Jets received last season, at a time when Woody Johnson was looking to sell PSLs and tickets, there is no doubt one club will want in.

Especially in the wake of how the labor situation eventually gets resolved. What better way to spread good vibes with your fans than show players, coaches and team management again coming together in training camp after settling their differences.

Of course the big question (duh) is when will this happen? HBO/NFL Films are now officially in uncharted waters. They have no way of knowing when - or even if - training camp will open. So, when the players return it becomes a matter of timing and logistics, getting the crew together and preparing to start the cameras rolling.

It would help, if HBO/NFL Films honchos are forced to go into a "Hard Knocks" hurry-up mode, to focus on a team they are familiar with (hint). And although HBO, the Jets, and Rex Ryan have stated Gang Green would not make a return appearance this summer, some situations are made for changing.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2011/05/21/2011-05-21_right_now_nfl_fans__hbos_hard_knocks_need_a_return_visit_from_rex_ryan_and_the_j.html#ixzz1N5SHlNUX

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Jets' encore on HBO's Hard Knocks series won't happen

BY Manish Mehta

Despite growing support from Jets’ fans in recent weeks that Gang Green would be an ideal choice to appear on HBO’s Hard Knocks series again in 2011, it’s not going to happen.

The Tampa Buccaneers, Denver Broncos and most recently the Detroit Lions have declined invitations to be on the show, raising the question whether Rex Ryan’s team would reconsider and appear on the show again. However, a Jets’ encore isn’t in the cards.

Although HBO hasn’t reached out to Woody Johnson & Co. to appear on the show again, the Daily News has learned that the Jets aren’t interested in having HBO cameras chronicle training camp again and wouldn't accept an invitation if asked now in the wake of these rejections from other teams.

Rex Ryan’s popularity among players throughout the league soared thanks, in part, to the show last summer. The team's colorful cast of characters helped HBO win three Sports Emmy awards.

[Vudu]

BOOOOO Hard Knocks was awesome last year. We should do it again!

[visajets]

No thanks. It was one of those things that was fun while it lasted. Id rather see them concentrate on a Super Bowl run instead of HBO cameras.

[JetsFanInDenver]

In a short training camp any team would be hard pressed to accomodate the cameras. Good decision by the JETS.

[LWC611]

BOOOOO Hard Knocks was awesome last year. We should do it again!

Generally, I agree with what you post, but not this time. Hard Knocks for the Jets should be viewed as a been there, done that experience. Furthermore, during what will be (I hope) an abbreviated camp who needs any further distractions.